Accident
On 14 July 2019, a GippsAero GA8 Airvan crashed on a river islet in Sweden. The accident resulted in the deaths of all nine individuals on board. Preliminary investigation indicates that structural failure of a wing is suspected as the cause.
Grounding and Lifting
In response to the crash, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia issued a grounding order for the GippsAero GA8 Airvan on 20 July 2019. The order was initially set to remain in effect until 3 August. Similar directives were promptly enacted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAANZ) in New Zealand and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in the European Union.
However, the grounding was lifted earlier than planned. CASA determined that there was no evidence to support the existence of an unsafe condition. Meanwhile, EASA reported that the wrecked aircraft had been subjected to aerodynamic loads exceeding the limits specified in its type-certification basis.
Aftermath
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident. The lifting of the grounding allows the GippsAero GA8 Airvan to resume operations, though the incident has prompted reviews of safety protocols.