Incident Overview
On 25 July 2019, a Bolkow 207 (registration D-EFQE) was parked on the dispersal apron at RAF Odiham during the station's Families Day. The pilot had fitted rudder and elevator gust locks and left the doors open for ventilation due to warm weather. Later, a strengthening breeze prompted the pilot to return to the apron to turn the aircraft into wind.
Ground Event
As the pilot approached, a North American T-6 Harvard 4 (registration G-BJST) taxied in and parked tail-to-tail with the Bolkow. The Harvard then increased its engine rpm for a short period before shutting down. The propwash from the Harvard overcame the gust locks on the Bolkow, causing movement of the control surfaces. At the time, the Bolkow pilot assessed any damage as superficial and took no further action.
Flight and Handling Issues
Later that day, the Bolkow pilot departed for the return flight to his home airfield. During the flight, he reported issues with the control response of the elevators and requested a straight-in approach. The aircraft landed safely.
Post-Flight Inspection
A subsequent inspection revealed a loss of tension in both the rudder and elevator control cables. No obvious associated damage was found. The aircraft had undergone an annual maintenance check the week prior, where cable tensions were recorded as within limits. The Bolkow sustained minor damage to the rudder, elevators, and doors; no damage was reported to the Harvard.
Investigation Outcome
Based on available information, it was not possible to determine whether the loss of tension in the control cables and the handling problems were a direct consequence of the propwash encounter. No causative link was established.