AAIB Bulletin No: 11/99
Piper PA-15 Vagabond · Service Bulletins
Overview
This document is an AAIB Bulletin concerning the Piper PA-15 Vagabond, specifically detailing an incident involving the aircraft G-BOVB. The bulletin outlines an occurrence where the transparency overhead the pilot and passenger detached during flight, leading to a forced landing. The report investigates the contributing factors to this failure, including material degradation and installation issues. It serves as a safety notice for operators of the Piper PA-15 Vagabond, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and material choices for critical components. The bulletin also suggests remedial actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- The incident involved the overhead transparency detaching at 1500 feet and 85 mph.
- Contributing factors included UV exposure, acrylic material issues, and overtightened screws.
- The transparency dimensions were approximately 800 x 700 mm.
- Replacement material will be 'Lexan', which is more durable than acrylic.
- Periodic inspections of the fasteners and transparency will be implemented.
Document
Source
Originally published by assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Service Bulletins
- Year
- 1999
- Pages
- 2
- File size
- 65 KB
- Publisher
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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In this document
Incident Overview
On September 5, 1999, the Piper PA-15 Vagabond G-BOVB experienced a failure of the overhead transparency during a local flight. At an altitude of 1500 feet and a speed of 85 mph, the transparency detached, resulting in a forced landing due to loss of lift and increased drag.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several factors contributing to the failure of the transparency. These included UV exposure reducing flexibility, the use of acrylic material prone to stress fractures, and installation issues such as overtightened screws and inadequate allowance for thermal expansion.
Remedial Actions
In response to the incident, the operating group decided to replace the acrylic transparency with a heavier gauge polycarbonate material known as 'Lexan', which is more resistant to UV damage and stress fractures. They also planned to drill oversize holes for fasteners and conduct periodic inspections of the cap strips.
Safety notes
- Inspect the overhead transparency regularly for signs of wear or damage.
- Consider material upgrades to more durable options like polycarbonate.
- Ensure proper installation techniques to avoid overtightening and allow for thermal expansion.
Full document text
Piper PA-15 Vagabond, G-BOVB AAIB Bulletin No: 11/99 Ref: EW/G99/09/04 Category: 1.3 Aircraft Type and Registration: Piper PA-15 Vagabond, G-BOVB No & Type of Engines: 1 Lycoming O-145-B2 piston engine Year of Manufacture: 1948 Date & Time (UTC): 5 September 1999 at 1529 hrs Location: Lulhams Farm, Ripe, East Sussex Type of Flight: Private Persons on Board: Crew - 1 - Passengers - 1 Injuries: Crew - None - Passengers - None Nature of Damage: Transparency overhead pilot and passenger detached Commander's Licence: Private Pilot's Licence Commander's Age: 30 years Commander's Flying Experience: 284 hours (of which 26 were on type) Last 90 days - 21 hours Last 28 days - 6 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot The aircraft was being flown on a local flight from a private strip at Twineham when, at 1500 feet and 85 mph, the transparency overhead the pilot and passenger detached and fell from the aircraft. Due to the loss of lift and increase in drag the pilot executed a forced landing. The transparency, about 800 x 700 mm, was fixed in place directly above the seats. Its forward edge butted up against the top edge of the windshield and the attachment fixings on all sides incorporated cap strips. The incident was investigated by three members of the operating group and they concluded that a number of factors had contributed to the failure:- 1. UV exposure had probably reduced the flexibility of the transparency. 2. It was Acrylic, which has been found to suffer from stress fractures. 3. The self tapping screws where exactly the same size as the pre-drilled holes leaving no room for thermal expansion/contraction. 4. The fixings had possibly been overtightened causing stress fractures around the pre-drilled holes. 5. The area above the seats (between the wings) is a low pressure area, causing continual, but slight, outward and inward bowing. 6. The cap strip obscures the areas most prone to cracking, so not obvious during pre-flight inspections. The group are replacing the transparency using a heavier gauge polycarbon, 'Lexan', material which reportedly does not suffer from UV damage or stress fractures. In addition they are drilling oversize holes for the fasteners and plan periodic removals of the cap strips to allow inspection of the fasteners and surrounding transparency.