Airworthiness has limits – GA-8 Crash

A key issue for the investigation into this tragic accident, which killed 9, will be whether the aircraft broke up in flight because the aircraft’s loading or flying exceeded the type’s certified limits.

CASA, the airworthiness regulator for Australia, where the GA-8 was designed and built (‘State of Design’), concluded, within days of the accident, that there was enough evidence that limits were exceeded that the accident does not question the type’s airworthiness. Consequently, CASA lifted its precautionary suspension of flights. However, the IFA notes that the principal investigator, Sweden’s SKA, is still publicly reserving its opinion.

For more, see:

• The SKA website: https://www.havkom.se/en/investigations/civil-luftfart/olycka-med-flygplanet-se-mes-av-typen-gibbsland-g8-airvan-naera-umea-flygplats-den-14-juli-2019

• CASA’s latest Airworthiness Directive Notice: https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/airworthiness-directive-notices

We will keep you informed of developments. If you believe you can help us better understand the airworthiness aspects of this accident, please contribute using the Comments form below.