Since the board has been relatively quite, thought I’d throw out a topic for discussion. Everyone is aware that some of the old-fashioned are not convinced composites are as strong as metal, and/or UV rays, heat can degrade them over time. We are also aware of the numerous metal aircraft that have broken up in flight over the years…either because of age and degradation, or simply greatly exceeding their G tolerances.
But is anyone aware of a properly built, properly attached composite wing that has ever separated in flight for any reason? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such an accident.
there have been several Lancair IV-P’s that have broken up most likely due to weather.
Stuart,
I’m not questioning you, just curious, but do you have any supporting information on that (NTSB case-links maybe)? The Lancair IV wing is extremely strong. I have heard of “loss-of-control” accidents with the IV, but never a true structural breakup of the wing.
Structural breakups of other kitbuilt composite aircraft that I have heard about were a direct result of horrible craftsmanship.
Stuart,
I’m not questioning you, just curious, but do you have any supporting information on that (NTSB case-links maybe)? The Lancair IV wing is extremely strong. I have heard of “loss-of-control” accidents with the IV, but never a true structural breakup of the wing.
Structural breakups of other kitbuilt composite aircraft that I have heard about were a direct result of horrible craftsmanship.
Andy,
Like you, I was curious about how many of this kind of accident had occurred. A search of the NTSB archives yielded 24 Lancair accidents (including both amateur-built and certified aircraft), but none of the descriptions indicated that there had been an inflight breakup.
It may very well be that my search is incomplete, so like you I would be interested in some documentation of in-flight breakups of Lancair aircraft.
It may very well be that my search is incomplete, so like you I would be interested in some documentation of in-flight breakups of Lancair aircraft.
Roger,
I think your search is complete, although I am still really curious about this. The last airframe I can remember having a pattern of accidents due to in-flight break-ups (excepting specialty aircraft like the T-34) is the Piper Malibu.
In fact, after his post, I researched the accident database through AOPA’s site and did indeed see several Lancairs with inflight breakage or wing separation. I copied the summaries of two, below. There may be more…I just did not bother reading all the fatal reports. Indeed, if you abuse it enough, even a composite wing can be broken!
Eg, summary for N29ME, May 16, 2003, “The pilot was operating the airplane on an IFR flight plan into instrument meteorological conditions in an area of known thunderstorms with severe turbulence. The airplane disappeared from radar coverage and was located in a wheat field by Sheriff Department personnel. The airplane sustained an in-flight airframe breakup. Airframe components recovered from the accident site were submitted to the NTSB Material Laboratory for examination. The examination revealed all failures were due to overload. Examination of the airframe revealed the airframe design limits were exceeded. The pilot received several preflight briefings through the use of the DUAT system. The products used forecasted thunderstorm activity along the route of flight and the pilot received Convective SIGMET’s and Central Weather Advisories warning of developing thunderstorms.”
And N102JL, on October 13, 1995, “The noninstrument-rated pilot filed for and received an instrument flight plan clearance from Atlanta to Boca Raton, Florida. The weather at the time of the accident was IMC. Transcripts of radio communications indicated that the pilot was having problems maintaining altitude and heading. Shortly after departure the pilot reported that he thought that one of the aircraft gyros was not operating properly. He later reported that he believed the problem had corrected itself. Witnesses observed the aircraft descend out of the base of the clouds and break up in flight.”