Engine mount failure leads to aircraft damage during bounced landing

Casualties unknown • French is the work of reference., FR

An Elixir aircraft sustained significant damage at Chavenay - Villepreux aerodrome after a hard landing caused the engine mount to fracture.

What happened

On June 23, 2024, an Elixir aircraft, registration F-HOOD, was performing a cross-country flight at Chavenay - Villepreux aerodrome. After completing circuits at a nearby aerodrome, the pilot returned to Chavenay to land on runway 05. The approach was flown at a speed of approximately 75 knots on a steep descent slope of about 5 degrees.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. During the second contact with the runway, the engine mount failed, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The impact resulted in the breakage of one propeller blade and damage to another. The aircraft also sustained damage to the nose wheel fairing and the roll control linkage. There were no fatalities or injuries reported.

The investigation

The BEA examined the aircraft's EFIS 2 flight data, which revealed that the approach was not stabilized, with speeds varying between 70 and 90 knots. The investigation also focused on the structural integrity of the engine mount. Laboratory analysis of the fractured steel tubular structure revealed fatigue cracks in the upper tubes.

Investigators found that the welding process at the narrow angle between the tubes had introduced defects, including local overheating and potential perforations. Furthermore, the investigation noted that while a recent Airworthiness Directive (AD) required inspections every 25 flight hours, the specific area of the cracks was difficult to detect without the use of a mirror, and the recent inspection had not identified any issues.

Findings

  • The pilot performed a landing with excess energy, characterized by a high approach speed and a steep descent slope.
  • The aircraft experienced a hard landing and a subsequent bounce.
  • The engine mount failure was caused by fatigue fractures originating from manufacturing defects in the weld area.
  • The high local stresses generated during engine start-up were not fully accounted for during the initial design phase.
  • The pilot's recent training may have contributed to the steep approach slope and difficulty managing the landing flare.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a hard landing and subsequent bounce that triggered the failure of an engine mount already weakened by fatigue cracks from manufacturing defects. This was exacerbated by an unstabilized approach involving excessive speed and a steep descent slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-06-23 Elixir Aircraft Elixir accident near French is the work of reference., FR?

An Elixir aircraft sustained significant damage at Chavenay - Villepreux aerodrome after a hard landing caused the engine mount to fracture.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-06-23 involved a Elixir Aircraft Elixir, registration F-HOOD, at French is the work of reference., FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a hard landing and subsequent bounce that triggered the failure of an engine mount already weakened by fatigue cracks from manufacturing defects. This was exacerbated by an unstabilized approach involving excessive speed and a steep descent slope.

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