What happened
On 1 June 2006, at approximately 09:27 UTC, an RAF 2000 autogyro, registration G-REBA, was conducting a private flight near Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. While operating west of Colliford Lake, the aircraft crashed, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and identified several mechanical irregularities within the aircraft's control system. It was discovered that the lower control rod had been making contact with the airframe structure. Additionally, the trim springs were found to be rubbing against the control rods. The inspection also revealed that multiple lock nuts within the control system were loose. Furthermore, an incorrect bolt appeared to have been utilized to secure the pilot's control column to the lay shaft.
During the examination, investigators noted that the maintenance history of the aircraft was potentially incomplete. Specifically, it was observed that the duplicate inspections required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) following the implementation of MPD 2006-003—which mandated the replacement of various control system components—might not have been performed on this aircraft. Observations of another RAF 2000 suggested that excess safety chain from the trim springs could potentially migrate and jam between the lower control rod and the undercarriage strut, a condition that could restrict roll control.
Findings
- The investigation established that the control system suffered from several mechanical issues, including loose lock nuts and the use of an incorrect bolt on the control column.
- The lower control rod and trim springs were in contact with the aircraft structure and control rods, respectively.
- The specific cause of the crash was not determined during the initial investigation, as the identified mechanical issues were not thought to have directly contributed to this specific occurrence.
Safety action
Following the discovery of systemic risks in the RAF 2000 control system, the AAIB issued several recommendations to the Popular Flying Association (PFA):
- The PFA was advised to ensure the safety chain connected to the trim springs does not jam moving parts in the control system.
- A recommendation was made to consider a modification to the lower control rods to prevent damage from the trim springs.
- The PFA has since implemented duplicate inspections to ensure compliance with safety mandates.