Restraint release and loss of control involving Avions Mudry & Cie CAP 10B, VH-YAO, 29 km north-north-west of Edinburgh Airport, South Australia, on 4 February 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating an inadvertent restraint release involving Avions Mudry & Cie CAP 10B, VH-YAO, 29 km north-north-west of Edinburgh Airport, South Australia, on 4 February 2026.

During flight training with an instructor and a student, the instructor demonstrated a split S manoeuvre from inverted flight. At that time the instructor's centre harness buckle unexpectedly released.  The instructor, still held by the lap belt and upper torso restraints, came off the seat and struck the overhead canopy.

This resulted in a brief release of the flight controls before the instructor regained control and recovered the aircraft. The aircraft sustained minor damage from cracking to the windscreen and partial detachment of the canopy. The aircraft landed without further incident. The student was uninjured and the instructor sustained minor injuries.

The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.