MIDWEEK UPDATE 29 SEPTEMBER 2021    COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS OUR CENTENARY YEARBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM OUR NEW WEBSHOP WWW.AEROCLUB.ORG.ZA/SHOP    The following events will take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public. 3 TO 9 OCTOBER The South African Soaring Nationals 2021 will take place from 2-9 October 2021 in Potchefstroom and hosted by Akavlieg - Potch Gliding. 2 October will be the practice day with the competition starting officially on 3 October. Contact Johan Badenhorst on: scroogebad@gmail.com Cell: 082 874 9532 for more info 6 OCTOBER EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting via Zoom. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674 8 TO 10 OCTOBER EAA Taildraggers at Warmbaths airfield. Contact Richard Nicholson E-mail: flybenchmark@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227 16 OCTOBER Krugersdorp Flying Club Spot Landing and Airfield Festival. It is that time of the year again: Join us on 16 October from 07h00 for a fun-filled day at the Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp. It is the annual Spot Landing and Airfield Festival. There will be food stalls, raffles, Heli flips with the highlight being a visit from the Puma Flying Lions. For more detail, please Whatsapp 0835778894 or e-mail kfc@iafrica.com 23 OCTOBER Panorama breakfast Fly-In. Contact Alan Stewart E-mail: info@jhbflying.co.za 28 OCTOBER Jack Taylor spot landings Krugersdorp airfield. For more info contact E-mail: kfc@iafrica.com or Cell 083 577 8894  3 NOVEMBER EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting via Zoom. Contact Neil 084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 5 NOVEMBER Children's Flight at Orient airfield. For more information contact Felix Gosher at felixgosher@gmail.com 5 TO 7 NOVEMBER EAA Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. Contact Neil Bowden 084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 13 NOVEMBER SAPFA SA Landing Championships at Brits Airfield. For more information contact Ron Stirk E-mail: melron@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 445 0373 27 NOVEMBER SAPFA Springs Speed Rally at Springs Airfield. Contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435 27 NOVEMBER Sports Aerobatics Club Western Cape regionals at Stellenbosch airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za  1 DECEMBER EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting via Zoom. Contact Neil Bowden084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 4 DECEMBER Aero Club of South Africa annual awards venue TBA. For more information contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za or Cell: 082 804 7032 4 & 5 DECEMBER Sports Aerobatics Club ACE of Base Baragwaneth Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za  Oct.jpg)  COVID-19 NOT PUTTING A DAMPER ON AAD PREPARATIONS Written by defenceWeb   Come next September, AFB Waterkloof in Centurion will hopefully be thronged with military men and women inspecting all manner of defence equipment and materiel at the 12th Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition. The AAD management and organising team is putting shoulder to the wheel to ensure a successful event with an ever-vigilant eye on the COVID-19 pandemic, locally and internationally. The pandemic and its possible impact on Africa's premier defence exhibition is clear from the organisers saying: “Plans are in place to provide exhibitors with a platform which adequately showcases innovative resilience in addressing the pandemic, efforts to stave off its continued resurgence and related impact and more importantly, migration toward remaining sustainable in a post-COVID era”. Exhibition organisers told defenceWeb they continuously and closely monitor the latest public health advice locally and internationally. “We will carefully follow guidelines and prescripts in place at the time (September 2022) and before. We remain optimistic exhibitions and major events will reopen to full capacity in South Africa. When that happens, AAD will comply fully with government prescribed guidelines. “We understand the importance of guaranteeing exhibitor and visitor safety and will keep all abreast of developments and plans as they unfold.” While COVID-19 prevented AAD 2020 taking place, exhibition organisers now under the leadership of interim director Michelle Nxumalo are quietly confident that next year's event from 21 to 25 September will not suffer the same fate.   In March 2020, the Elixir obtained its EASA CS-23 certification. This certification marks the commercialization of the 4th generation light two-seater aircraft. Over the past year, Elixir Aircraft has received more than 15 firm orders, from flying clubs and private pilots in France. More safety, more savings, fewer disturbances... With nearly half of the order backlog, aero clubs have decided to put their trust in Elixir Aircraft to modernize their fleets. The aéroclub des Pertuis in La Rochelle, aéroclub de l'Aisne in St. Quentin and the aéroclub des Navigants in Etampes have each opted to buy an Elixir. As for aéroclub Jean Bertin (Paris area) and Brocard (Etampes), they are expanding their fleets with 2 Elixir respectively. Whether by purchase or rental, each of these flying clubs has succeeded in finding the right set-up for their specific needs. In parallel to the purchases, the interest for all the Elixir variants has not ceased. To date, more than a hundred pre-orders have been placed for the Elixir 912iS, 915iS and IFR. The Elixir Aircraft teams are working on the development of these future versions. Alain Provost, president of aéroclub du Brocard: "I was seduced by the visit we made to La Rochelle. The team is talented and reactive. The aircraft is well thought out as a whole. What's more, all the studies carried out together give us visibility on operating costs, especially for replacing our "heavy aircraft". Finally, I was blown away by the test flight I made. " Gabriel Marquette, President of aéroclub Jean Bertin: "We were looking for a more modern aircraft with a Glass cockpit, less polluting and with lower fuel consumption. We wanted to modernize our fleet and rejuvenate the club's image. The Elixir perfectly met our needs. And the leasing solution was ideal for us.". Christian Plaisance, president of aéroclub des Pertuis : "For us, it's a safety-oriented aircraft, very clever on all sides. Above all, the operating costs are low thanks to the electronic injection and simplified maintenance." Paul Andrzejewski, president of aéroclub de l'Aisne : "The design of the aircraft is superb, it is attractive to all ages. We need to attract young pilots with a more attractive and safer aircraft. We thought the plane was too expensive for us, but on closer inspection, the maintenance and consumption allow the plane to self-finance! We can offer the plane at the same price as the old ones. We had the opportunity to test the aircraft, the test was unquestionable, we can't wait to receive our aircraft!"  PIPISTREL AND GENEVATION ENTER AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING COOPERATION  The President of the Pipistrel Group, Mr. Ivo Boscarol and the CEO of Genevation Aircraft, Mr. István Viktor Szabó, have signed a technology transfer agreement to set up production and final assembly of the Pipistrel VIRUS SW aircraft and its components in Hungary. Official signing of the contract occurred in the presence of Prime minister of Hungary Mr. Viktor Orban and Prime minister of Slovenia Mr. Janez Janša after the opening ceremony of the 53th International Entrepreneurial Fair (MOS) in Celje on the 15th September 2021. Pipistrel's award winning aircraft family SW 121 has been identified as the ideal fit for the needs of future Hungarian aviation undertakings, with Genevation stepping up with their interest to manufacture, market and provide after-sales support for select markets. Following extensive coordination on technical, organizational, airworthiness and governmental levels, the two partners with support of the governments are excited to announce that the cooperation has been signed. The cooperation project valued at over 100 million EUR for a 10-year period shall establish: Certified Aircraft Production Organization in Hungary, final assembly in Hungary of Pipistrel SW 121 family aircraft for select domestic and international markets (Hungary, Russia and ex-USSR territories, African countries, Visegrad countries, Turkey and Israel), cooperation in development of future opportunities and production of advanced composite structures, aircraft components, special mission programs and zero emission aircraft. Preceding this agreement was the Governmental MoU, signed by, Dr. Gáspár Maróth, Hungarian Government Commissioner responsible for Defence Development and Zdravko Pocivalšek, Slovene Minister of Economic Development and Technology. The Governments have therein affirmed that Hungary is willing to promote and strengthen the growth of its defence industry, creating new production capabilities, increasing the knowledge as well as innovative solutions; where at the same time, Slovenia is supporting the bilateral and regional industrial cooperation, especially in the industries where significant advanced experience and traditional products have already been achieved and can be further capitalized.   Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with the French Civil Aviation Authority DGAC, has started flight testing an engine back-up system (EBS) onboard its Flightlab. The project opens the way to a future hybridised propulsion system for light helicopters while delivering concrete flight safety improvements in the short term. The campaign's main target is to enhance flight safety of single engine operations by providing emergency electrical power in case of a turbine failure. To conduct these tests, the Flightlab was equipped with a 100 Kw electric motor connected to the main gearbox, which can provide electrical power for 30 seconds in the event of engine failure. By giving the pilot extra time to react and maintain rotor speed, the engine back-up system contributes to a safer and smoother autorotation manoeuvre to the ground. The current flight tests include the simulation of engine failure in different flight conditions, including take-off and landing procedures and corresponding limitations. While evaluating the safety margins and performance benefits, the flight campaign also aims to demonstrate a performance increase, thanks to the prompt electric power input. The potential benefit in terms of Maximum Take-Off Weight is to compensate for the mass of the EBS system itself and to provide helicopter operators with additional payload. “The engine back-up system is a good example of the incremental approach in our innovation strategy”, declared Tomasz Krysinski, Head of Research and Innovation at Airbus Helicopters. “The current EBS flights are a very important first step towards a future hybrid propulsion system and we already foresee a second phase of the project with more energy and power on board. We are looking at developing a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system mixing thermal and electrical energy together with the aim of optimising fuel consumption and enabling hybrid single engine flights over urban areas”. Because the EBS flight campaign also looks at ways of easing the possible introduction of this techno-brick onto future production aircraft, the various components of the system have been designed with serial production in mind.  The next-generation Challenger 3500 aircraft, the evolution of the Challenger 350 aircraft, introduces a redesigned interior with intelligent and sustainably minded cabin features crafted to combine comfort with function. Further elevating the passenger experience, Bombardier's exclusive and patented Nuage seat is included in the aircraft's standard configuration - the first time a seat of this calibre is available in the super mid-size segment. As part of an overall focus on passenger wellness, this new business jet will provide a reduced cabin altitude of 4,850 ft at 41,000 ft, representing a 31% improvement compared to its predecessor. The Challenger 3500 aircraft also introduces several innovative technological features, such as the industry's first voice-controlled cabin to manage lighting, temperature and entertainment systems, the first wireless chargers throughout the cabin and the only 24-inch, 4K display in its class. In the cockpit, Bombardier introduces a standard-equipped autothrottle system to the Challenger 3500 flight deck, which offers the most baseline features in its class. This new business jet is expected to enter service in the second half of 2022. As Bombardier once again raises the bar for business jet excellence, the company continues to rely on a rich pool of talented suppliers around the world, including FACC operating in Austria and in Laval, Canada, which manufactures the cabinets and other key cabin components for the Challenger 3500 business jet such as the sidewalls, headliners, bulkheads and passenger service units. The latest Challenger aircraft was also designed through a sustainable lens. Following Bombardier's recent groundwork on making the Global 7500 aircraft the first business jet ever to receive an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), the Challenger 3500 aircraft will be the first business jet in the super mid-size segment to have an EPD. In addition to this important declaration of the aircraft's life cycle environmental footprint, other environmentally conscious initiatives include the option for customers to choose from a selection of high-end sustainable materials for the cabin. Another sustainable initiative is the introduction of the first eco app* solution in business aviation. The eco app is developed by SITA, a leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology, using its existing eWAS Pilot with OptiFlight® solution. The innovative tool is designed to specifically optimize flight plans and reduce fuel burn, further decreasing the aircraft's environmental footprint. In line with Bombardier's environmental objectives, the Challenger 3500 flight test program is using an innovative sustainability approach designed by World Fuel Services. The solution removes some of the carbon emissions from the fuel of the test flights by using book-and-claim Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchases and then attains carbon neutrality by retiring offsets to balance the remaining carbon emissions from the jet fuel. The new Challenger 3500 business jet is the latest example of Bombardier's innovative spirit and approach to continuous improvement. Like its predecessor, the Challenger 3500 business jet is expected to have a strong market presence worldwide and will be a significant economic driver in North America.  “Performance like this takes a lot of work, communication and trust to ensure alignment between numerous partners, all working toward the same objective. I could not be more proud of our Bell employees.” said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 vice president and program director. “Our front-line workers, engineers and supply chain professionals all help support the Marines. Their work designing, manufacturing and assembling critical components while ensuring quality parts reach the production line on time help the Marines ensure our nation's security.” Bell and its Team Viper / Venom partners collaborate with the U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter program (PMA-276) to provide integrated solutions and increase combat lethality and readiness. In addition to delivering production aircraft on time, Bell directly supports scheduled maintenance. The company is also working on new capability upgrades to equip the Marines with the most advanced technology available. “This is a feat only possible through the determination of our production team and the program's strong relationship with our industry partners and suppliers,” said Col Vasilios Pappas, PMA-276 program manager. Bell is currently working toward the U.S. Marine Corps program of record (POR) and anticipates production of Marine Corps H-1 through 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps H-1 production contract is for 349 aircraft, consisting of 160 UH-1Y and 189 AH-1Z. Bell will continue manufacturing aircraft for foreign military customers including contracts for Bahrain AH-1Zs and a mixed Czech Republic fleet of both AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys.  “We spent a lot of time analysing which platform would best fit all of our operational needs as we began to renew our fleet and the H125 met all of our requirements,” said Paul Apolinar, chief pilot at Phoenix Police Department. “Our responsibility is to protect and serve the Phoenix community and these aircraft will allow us not only to protect from the skies, but to perform rescues in remote locations all over Arizona. We needed an aircraft that excels in hot temperatures and the H125 is really the best aircraft for the job in such conditions.” Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The H125 accounts for nearly half of all intermediate single engine helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the last decade. It is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.'s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans. “The H125 is one of the most popular law enforcement helicopters in the U.S., for good reason,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Its versatility and high performance make it an ideal platform for diverse law enforcement missions, including aerial surveillance and search and rescue and is a proven solution that's consistently ready for the call when it's needed most.” Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a presence dating back more than 50 years. A team of more than 700 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.  This will be the first Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivered into Japan and the Asia Pacific region. It achieved Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) type certification in 2011 and the JCAB interior certification for the CJ4 Gen2 is expected in September 2021. As one of the world's largest and most developed economies, Japan has a wide range of general aviation airports, with a growing number of private aviation and charter users. “It's fantastic to see the first Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivered into the Asia Pacific region, where more than four billion people are within a 6-hour flight radius,” said Tony Jones, vice president, Sales (Asia-Pacific). “Cessna Citation light jets continue to be a popular choice with Japanese-based operators. It has a well-deserved reputation as a versatile and efficient business tool. The new Citation CJ4 Gen2's updated cabin experience and class-leading performance allow our customers, like Fuji Business Jet, to take advantage of greater range out of airports with shorter runways across Japan.” The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the largest Citation in Textron Aviation's light jet segment. It offers operators a host of features that elevate ramp presence and in-flight comfort, including a new stair and handrail, premium seating options and enhanced ambiance lighting throughout. Along with the new cabin seating options, there is enhanced lighting in the pockets, on the sidewall and floor and in the cupholders. This is the first Citation aircraft equipped with CoolView lavatory skylights to provide more natural lighting throughout the lavatory and aft cabin area. The CJ4 Gen2 combines superior speed, range and operating economics when compared with larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner-operators and special missions.  Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] introduces the LMXT as America's next strategic tanker - built in America by Americans for Americans. Offered in response to the U.S. Air Force's KC-Y Program, the LMXT represents the newest chapter in Lockheed Martin's 60+ year history of producing and delivering tanker and cargo aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and multiple operators around the world. The LMXT complements the U.S. Air Force's tanker capabilities by providing the most advanced aerial refueler to meet America's immediate and long-term mission requirements. The LMXT strengthens and expands the U.S. aerospace industrial base by working with existing and new American suppliers. The LMXT also cultivates and sustains high-tech, high-skill American manufacturing jobs. "Lockheed Martin has a long and successful track record of producing aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and we understand the critical role tankers play in ensuring America's total mission success," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The LMXT combines proven performance and operator-specific capabilities to meet the Air Force's refuelling requirements in support of America's National Defence Strategy." The LMXT offers a proven airframe with distinct U.S. Air Force-only capabilities designed to meet operator requirements, with advantages that include: Significantly improved range and fuel offload capacity. A proven fly-by-wire boom currently certified and used by allies to refuel U.S. Air Force receiver aircraft in operations around the world. The world's first fully automatic boom/air-to-air refuelling (A3R) system. Operational and combat proven advanced camera and vision system and an open system architecture JADC2 systems as well as a multi-domain operations node that connects the LMXT to the larger battlespace, increasing onboard situational awareness to provide resilient communications and datalink for assets across the force. The Lockheed Martin strategic tanker builds on the combat-proven design of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin works directly to implement U.S. Air Force-specific requirements within the LMXT. As the strategic tanker of choice for 13 nations, the MRTT has logged more than 250,000 flight hours refuelling U.S. and allied fighter, transport and maritime patrol aircraft in combat theatre environments.  “We are on a quest to co-create an entirely new market that sustainably integrates urban air mobility into the cities while addressing environmental and social concerns. Airbus is convinced that the real challenges are as much about urban integration, public acceptance, and automated air traffic management, as about vehicle technology and business models. We build on all of the capabilities to deliver a safe, sustainable and fully integrated service to society,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. CityAirbus is being developed to fly an 80 km range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it perfectly suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions. Sound levels are a key factor for an urban mission; Airbus' extensive expertise in noise-friendly designs is driving CityAirbus' sound levels below 65 dB(A) during fly-over and below 70 dB(A) during landing. It is optimized for hover and cruise efficiency, while not requiring moving surfaces or tilting parts during transition. The CityAirbus NextGen meets the highest certification standards (EASA SC-VTOL Enhanced Category). Designed with simplicity in mind, CityAirbus NextGen will offer best-in-class economic performance in operations and support. Airbus is benefitting from years of dedicated research, innovation, two electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) demonstrators, and development on sound technology across its portfolio of products, as well as decades of experience in certifying aircraft. The Vahana and CityAirbus demonstrators have jointly conducted 242 flight and ground tests and have flown around 1,000 km in total. Furthermore, Airbus has used extensive subscale flight testing and wind tunnel campaigns and has leveraged its computing and modelling power. CityAirbus NextGen is in a detailed design phase right now and the prototype's first flight is planned for 2023. “We have learned a lot from the test campaigns with our two demonstrators, CityAirbus and Vahana”, said Even. “The CityAirbus NextGen combines the best from both worlds with the new architecture striking the right balance between hover and forward flight. The prototype is paving the way for certification expected around 2025.” Beyond the vehicle, Airbus is working with partners, cities and city inhabitants in order to create the ecosystem that is essential to enabling this new operating environment to emerge in a true service to society.   Boeing [NYSE:BA], in partnership with the Queensland Government, has selected Toowoomba as the preferred site for the company's first aircraft assembly facility of its kind outside of North America. Boeing Australia will establish the facility in the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct at Wellcamp Airport to produce and assemble the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (also known as Loyal Wingman), the first military combat aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in Australia in half a century. The aircraft made its first flight in February 2021. The partnership to establish the facility will create new opportunities for Toowoomba, bringing jobs and skill development to the region and the state. “In choosing Wellcamp Airport, Boeing have taken an important step towards delivering their purpose-built final assembly facility. This has the potential to greatly improve our state's advanced manufacturing capability and help shape a workforce of Queenslanders with the skills to build some of the world's most cutting-edge aircraft,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Wagner Corporation expects that this facility will support approximately 300 jobs during construction and will create highly skilled jobs, furthering Queensland's status as a centre for defence industries. Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said today's announcement reinforced the strength of the state's almost 25-year relationship with Boeing. This project delivers on the vision of the Queensland Defence Industries 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan, which aims to significantly increase defence revenue and generate 3,500 new full-time jobs by 2028. The uncrewed aircraft is designed to operate as a team, using artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of crewed and uncrewed platforms. Boeing Defence Australia Vice President and Managing Director Scott Carpendale believes the selection of Wellcamp Airport as Boeing's preferred location for the company's first final assembly production facility is indicative of Boeing's global focus and support for Australia's sovereign defence capability growth, supply chain and export opportunities. “Sustainable aerospace is a critical focus for Boeing and Wagner Corporation's use of sustainable construction methods supports our vision to create a leading sustainable aerospace manufacturing facility from the ground up, including renewable technologies and human-centric design,” Carpendale said. Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said Boeing's selection of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport for its newest uncrewed aircraft production facility was a major boost for the region. “Attracting investment and global companies such as Boeing to Toowoomba is recognition of the strategic advantages the Wellcamp Airport site offers, including access to the future Inland Rail,” Wagner said. Boeing Australia is currently developing six aircraft in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with flight testing ongoing.   On 12 February 2021, an AL-60C-M4 Kudu with registration ZS-WWO took off from Carletonville Aerodrome (FACR) with the pilot-in-command (PIC) and the safety pilot, as well as six skydivers on-board. The intention of the flight was to drop off the six skydivers in the Carletonville area and return to FACR. The PIC stated that he uplifted 400 litres of Jet A-1 fuel prior to the flight, which is the maximum fuel capacity of this aircraft. The PIC further stated that immediately after take-off during the climb phase at approximately 250 feet (ft) above ground level (AGL), the aircraft lost thrust and could not climb any further. Thereafter, it started to sink. The safety pilot switched on the isolator (ISO) button to isolate the power lever “throttle” and pushed the fuel condition lever forward to try and feed fuel to the engine to restore power. During the process of restoring power, the aircraft lost height and it impacted the ground with its right-side main landing gear first, then the left-side main landing gear, followed by the left wing. The aircraft spun around clockwise and came to rest facing the direction of its approach. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. A witness who was a passenger on-board (one of the parachute jumpers) stated that the aircraft used about ¾ of the runway before rotation. He also stated that after take-off at approximately 250ft AGL, the engine was heard reducing to idle power. He stated that when he looked at the control panel between the two seats, he saw that the throttle lever was in idle position with no hand (of either pilot) on it. He then saw the safety pilot engage the isolator switch and, thereafter, he heard the engine spooling up from the input of the fuel condition lever. At this point he (witness) realised that they were going to crash. The witness asked one of the skydivers to open the door. But before the door was opened, the aircraft crashed and knocked all skydivers unconscious. Post-accident, it was discovered that the safety pilot seat had also collapsed and the safety pilot was unconscious as well. The PIC and the safety pilot sustained minor injuries, while the skydivers sustained serious injuries. All occupants were taken to hospital in ambulances after first aid was administered to them. Post-accident investigation revealed the following: • One main filter, firewall filter and fuel control inlet filter were found to be clean. • No airlocks were found in the fuel system. Electro-hydraulic transducers were tested and it was found that the turbine start limit monitor system was deactivated, in other words, it could not have been activated during the flight, which could cause a reduction in power. • Flaps were found selected up. • Fuel flow systems were checked and found serviceable. • Electrical fuel pumps were checked and found serviceable. • No water or impurities could be found in the filters. • The pilot reported that after take-off, they retracted flaps and the aircraft started to sink. The safety pilot took over controls and retarded the power lever. The investigation established that the actions of both pilots resulted in induced drag and loss of power, thus, increased the rate of descent or sinking rate, which resulted in a crash. The mass and balance report confirmed the aircraft was within the safety balance envelope. Probable cause: The PIC had, during the climb phase at about 250ft AGL, prematurely retracted the flaps and the aircraft entered a sink mode due to loss of lift. The safety pilot panicked and confused the sink mode (feeling) with the loss of thrust and, in response, pulled back the throttle lever, which exacerbated the situation. To recover the engine power, the safety pilot hastily opened the throttle and this resulted in the compressor stalling the engine.  Germany, near Groß-Bieberau: A Flugsportvereinigung Offenbach Reinheim e.V. Robin DR.400/180R Remorqueur aerotow plane with two on board collided with a model aircraft, while towing a glider from Reinheim Airfield, Germany. The pilot disconnected the glider and returned to the airfield. Part of the left horizontal stabilizer was torn off in the accident. The model aircraft had a wing span of 1,60m. The pilot of the RC plane was located by local police. Belgium, Moorsele Airfield: A Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster skydiving plane operated by Paracentrum Vlaanderen with only the pilot on board suffered an accident on landing at Moorsele Airfield, Belgium. The aircraft had just completed the final stick of the day and landed back at Moorsele Airfield. It came to rest close to the runway. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft landed short of the runway. Photos from the scene seem to indicate that the right-hand main gear had collapsed. Japan, Tono, Okuwa village, Nagano prefecture: A Akagi Helicopter Co Ltd Kaman K-1200 K-Max with one on board crashed in mountainous terrain in Nagano prefecture while hovering to pick up timber as an external load. The sole onboard pilot received a minor injury on his left arm and he reported that the engine had failed inflight. Photos of the accident site suggest substantial damages of the K-MAX. JTSB launched an investigation. Colombia, Chocal, San Pedro, Valle del Cauca: A Zenair CH 701 with 170 kg of cocaine was found by law enforcement officers abandoned in El Chocal, San Pedro, Valle del Cauca. It had apparently crash landed.  Belgium, Kiewit Airfield (EBZH), Hasselt: An amateur built Brügger MB-2 Colibri with only the pilot on board crashed under unknown circumstances in a field near Kiewit Airfield (EBZH), Hasselt. The pilot was seriously injured and later died from the injuries. USA, Honolulu-Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, HI: A Hawaiian Airbus A321Airlines suffered a tailstrike on landing at Honolulu-Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaii, USA. The flight crew then performed a go around and circled for a second approach. A safe landing was made 14 minutes after the incident. USA, Hooper private Airstrip, Weber County, UT: An experimental built Kitfox Aircraft Kitfox Series 7 STi, with two on board, sustained substantial damage subsequent to the nose over after landing at a Hooper private airstrip, Weber County, Utah. One occupant received minor injuries and one of the two related occupants onboard the tailwheel equipped ultralight was not injured.  USA, about 2 Mi South of Waycross-Ware County Airport: A experimentally built Marquart MA-5 with the pilot on board became suspended in powerlines, subsequent to impact with the powerlines, while on approach to land runway 01, about 2 Mi South of Waycross-Ware County Airport (AYS/KAYS), Waycross, Georgia. It took about 2 Hrs to safely remove the pilot after the electrical crews disabled and secured the power lines. The sole pilot onboard the biplane received minor injuries. UK, Teesside International Airport (MME/EGNV), Darlington, County Durham: An Usworth '84 Flying Associates Ltd Grumman American AA-5 Traveler with three on board crashed upon take-off at Teesside International Airport (MME/EGNV) after an apparent engine power loss. All three occupants were taken to a hospital. One suffered serious injuries and was flown to the James Cook University Hospital in Midlesborough by the Great North Air Ambulance Service.   22 SEPTEMBER 1917  A Royal Naval Air Service Curtiss H-12 flying boat piloted by Flight Sub-Lieutenant N. Magor sinks the German submarine UB-32 in the North Sea. It is only time an aircraft sinks a German submarine during World War I. The Curtiss Model H was a family of classes of early long-range flying boats, the first two of which were developed directly on commission in the United States in response to the £10,000 prize challenge issued in 1913 by the London newspaper, the Daily Mail, for the first non-stop aerial crossing of the Atlantic. These aircraft were soon of great interest to the British Admiralty as anti-submarine patrol craft and for air-sea rescue roles. The initial Royal Navy purchase of just two aircraft eventually spawned a fleet of aircraft which saw extensive military service during World War I in these roles, being extensively developed in the process (together with many spinoff or offspring variants) under the compressed research and development cycles available in wartime With the RNAS, H-12s and H-16s operated from flying boat stations on the coast in long-range anti-submarine and anti-Zeppelin patrols over the North Sea. A total of 71 H-12s and 75 H-16s were received by the RNAS, commencing patrols in April 1917, with 18 H-12s and 30 H-16s remaining in service in October 1918.  www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuRVZAGodT6sztTeXBGeMw and subscribe to our YouTube channel  |
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