Summary
On 6 May 2022 at 15:09 local time, a Tecnam P2008 JC aircraft (registration SP-SCS) experienced a serious incident during an aerodrome circuit training flight near Chojna, Poland. The crew noticed increased resistance in the stabilator control system, which later became fully blocked. The instructor safely landed the aircraft using the trim system. The subsequent investigation identified a design flaw in the stabilator control system as the cause.
History of the Flight
The flight was a training mission in the vicinity of the Chojna aerodrome. While flying the seventh circuit at an altitude of approximately 1000 ft AGL, the crew detected increased resistance when moving the stabilator. The instructor immediately took over the controls and decided to land. To reduce forces on the stabilator, the instructor descended at low speed. On final approach to runway 27, about 10 seconds before touchdown, the stabilator became completely blocked. The pilot was forced to land using the trim, and the landing was uneventful.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Tecnam P2008 JC, a single-engine, two-seat, high-wing airplane of metal and composite construction. It was manufactured in 2014 with serial number 1038. At the time of the incident, the airframe had accumulated 3386 flight hours. The engine was a Rotax 912 S2-01 with 1386 hours since new. The aircraft was operated by SKY CITY and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The crew consisted of a flight instructor (aged 22, holding a CPL(A)) and a student pilot training for a PPL(A). Both pilots had valid medical certificates.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the two crew members. The aircraft sustained damage to two bolts in the stabilator suspension system: one bolt was broken and another was damaged. No other damage occurred.
Cause of the Incident
The investigation by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) determined that the serious incident was caused by a design flaw in the stabilator control system. This flaw resulted in the breakage of the bolt fastening the stabilator suspension, which led to its jamming. One safety recommendation was issued to the aircraft manufacturer, CA.TECNAM S.R.L., to address the issue.