CAA Safety Notice. Preliminary Findings Tandem HG Accident

[administrator]

From Colin Grounsell CAA Safety Investigator

I have carried out a preliminary investigation with NZHGPA Safety Officer John (Chuck) Berry into the double fatal tandem hang gliding accident involving a North Wing T2 in Queenstown on the 10 March 2009.

While the investigation is on-going I feel it is important to advise you of the initial indications that we have found and for you to distribute around the association members.

The hang glider in this accident was fitted with a video camera which was recording up until a few moments after the initial in-flight breakup.

The video clearly shows an initial structural failure on the left side A-Frame (Control Bar) Down Tube while the pilot was carrying out a climbing left turn after a high speed descent. Complete failure of the A-Frame and Keel followed in quick succession.

The parachute was deployed (at high speed) but the bridal failed at the loop where it is connected to the parachute rigging lines. Further testing will be carried out to determine the strength and condition of the parachute/bridal assembly.

Information gained during our interviews would indicate it is not uncommon for some hang glider pilots to operate their aircraft outside of the manufactures limitations with reference to maximum angles of bank, maximum airspeeds, and gross weights. This practice would appear to be wide spread, and not just limited to New Zealand.

If a pilot chooses to operate his/her aircraft outside of the manufacturer’s recommendations then there can be no guarantee that the aircraft will maintain its structural integrity.

In the case of commercial operations, pilots need to be mindful that the passenger being carried should be afforded the maximum possible levels of safety available and should not be subjected to any undue risk by the pilot operating outside of the manufactures recommendations.

As mentioned earlier this is only a preliminary part of the investigation but I feel it is significant enough to be distributed amongst the hang gliding fraternity. Further testing and investigation will take place and I will inform you of any further significant developments.



Colin Grounsell
Safety Investigator