Accredited Representative – Engine failure involving an Arion Lightning aircraft, registered N273DB, New River, Arizona, United States, on 10 July 2017

On 10 July 2017, at about 1445 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), an amateur-built Arion Lightning light sport aircraft, registered N273DB, fitted with a Jabiru 3300 engine, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near New River, Arizona, United States. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.

As the accident occurred in the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was responsible for investigating this occurrence. As part of its investigation, the NTSB notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as the state of manufacture of the engine. In accordance with clause 5.18 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative to liaise with the NTSB and initiated an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The ATSB has concluded its support of this investigation. On 9 August 2019, the NTSB released the final investigation report into this occurrence and it is available at www.ntsb.gov.

Any enquiries regarding the investigation and report should, in the first instance, be directed to the NTSB.