What happened
On 17 July 2024, a CZAW Sportcruiser, registration G-CZAW, was conducting a private flight from Sherburn-in-Elmet towards Stoney Lane Airfield. Approximately five miles into the flight, the pilot experienced a loud bang accompanied by a sudden drop of the left wing. The pilot responded with full right aileron and rudder to counteract the movement and identified that the left-wing locker cover had opened into the airflow.
After declaring a PAN-PAN, the pilot attempted to return to the departure airfield. During the maneuver, the engine began running roughly; the pilot suspected a fuel issue caused by the aircraft's significant sideways attitude, though switching fuel tanks provided no relief. Unable to maintain altitude, the aircraft struck trees short of Runway 28. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the left-wing locker cover had separated along its hinge line on the leading edge. While the aft half of the hinge was properly secured with rivets, the forward half of the hinge lacked rivets and corresponding holes in the wing structure. Instead, this portion of the hinge had been held in place using only silicone sealant. It was determined that the hinge had not been properly riveted to the wing during the original manufacturing process, likely because this specific aircraft served as the UK prototype.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure of the wing locker hinge to remain secured due to the absence of rivets.
- The hinge was improperly attached using only sealant, an omission likely occurring during the aircraft's initial manufacture.
- The loss of altitude and subsequent tree strike were precipitated by the aerodynamic disturbance caused by the opened locker cover.