Incident Summary
On 13 May 2005, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration G-BJUR) operating a training flight from Nottingham Airfield, Tollerton, Nottinghamshire, experienced an engine cowling detachment during climb. At approximately 500 ft above ground level, while executing a left turn, a loud bang was heard. The left side engine cowling rose up, partially obstructing the forward view, and struck the lower right side of the windscreen, creating a hole several inches in diameter. The instructor immediately leveled the aircraft, broadcast a 'PAN' call on the radio, and returned to the airfield for a safe landing. No injuries were sustained, and the only damage reported was to the windscreen.
Pre-Flight Actions
Before the flight, the instructor asked the student to check fuel and engine oil levels. The student reported the oil level appeared slightly low, so the instructor directed ground crew to add one quart of oil. After that was completed, the instructor approached the aircraft and found the student already boarded and fastening the harness. The instructor then checked fuel levels in both wing tanks, verified the engine oil level using the dipstick (located on the right side of the engine), closed the cowling, and boarded. Following standard checks, a normal takeoff was performed.
Cowling Security
The Piper PA-38-112 is equipped with left and right side engine cowlings, each mounted on a longitudinal hinge and secured by two 'butterfly clip' latches on the lower edges. After landing, both butterfly clips were found missing from the left cowling. The instructor noted that during daily inspections of other aircraft in the fleet, he had occasionally observed missing butterfly clips. He concluded that at least one clip had likely been lost from G-BJUR on a previous flight. However, the instructor also considered the possibility that the student, when asked to check the oil, might have initially looked at the left side of the engine (the oil filler is on the right), potentially leading to the left cowling not being properly secured before departure.
Outcome
The instructor landed the aircraft without further incident. The damaged windscreen was the only reported structural damage. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring cowling latches are correctly secured, though the report does not specify a definitive cause.