What happened
On 25 February 1998, a Boeing 737-500, registration G-MSKD, was performing a positioning flight from East Midlands Airport to Birmingham Airport. During the flight, an access panel became detached from the No.1 engine pylon. The crew did not become aware of the incident while in the air. Upon arrival at Birmingham, the loss of the panel was identified, and an inspection revealed that the detached component had caused minor damage to the leading edge of the left tailplane.
The investigation
The investigation was initiated following an Air Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the detachment. The panel itself was not recovered following the event. The investigation focused on the condition of the engine pylon and the mechanisms intended to hold the access panel in place.
Findings
- The detachment of the access panel from the No.1 engine pylon was attributed to a lack of proper securement.
- No injuries were sustained by the two crew members on board.
- The damage to the aircraft was limited to the left tailplane leading edge.