PA-32R Structural failure

[barit1]

Right wing outboard section separated in-flight. Sounds highly unusual to me.

See: http://ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20151002X84211&key=1

[mary meagher]

A while ago a Robin managed to roll its wing over a hay bale, and the pilot did not bother to have it properly checked before flying. Does anybody remember that one?

[Gertrude the Wombat]

Does anybody remember that one?
Yes. It was one of the things going through my mind when I once rejected a rental aircraft because it had a dent in its tailplane that hadn't been there before.

Probably harmless cosmetic hangar rash, but the operator agreed with me that the engineers should have a look at the aircraft ... and it no longer has the dent.

[chevvron]

Sounds to me like it was hit by something.

[megan]

I would presume a loss of control. Loss of wing and empennage are rather classic pointers. Instrument conditions, 1448 hours of experience, presumably not a lot of instrument experience in those hours, question on recency perhaps.

[barit1]

Yes, reminiscent of the reputation of the "V-tail doctor killer" - Too easy to fall into the graveyard spiral, then apply aggressive recovery attempt upon breaking clear of cloud. Add a bit of turbulence, and...

[mrmum]

https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/542304aee5274a1317000cbd/dft_avsafety_pdf_500558.pdf

[Maoraigh1]

Fuel vapour in wing ignited by electric motor? Are either flap or U.C. electrically operated?

[A and C]

No electric flaps or landing gear in the wings, but a spark from the high voltage electrical cables for the wing tip strobes are more than enough to supply a big enough spark to set any fuel vapour on fire.

[Sir George Cayley]

Hi Mary,

1996 - a while ago?

Yes I remember it well, not least for the pilots words just before crashing.

Still sends a shudder.

SGC

[Genghis the Engineer]

This was perhaps rather similar.

https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/5422ebbb40f0b613460000a7/dft_avsafety_pdf_025533.pdf

G

[barit1]

Genghis - That is a very well written and impressive accident analysis, applying modern FEA to the structure originally documented under older analysis tools.

[Genghis the Engineer]

It is, although for the sake of clarity - I had absolutely no involvement with that investigation (beyond calming down a friend who had flown the same aeroplane a week before with his family on board, hence that I remembered it.)

G