Investigation number
198600719
Occurrence date
Location
5km West of Mannum
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Airframe - Other
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal

About 30 minutes after takeoff the aircraft was observed by witnesses to be heading in an easterly direction at about 500 feet above ground level. It was then seen to turn left, head north and commence a gradual descent. The witnesses then reported that another left turn was commenced and both wings folded back. The aircraft entered a steep descent before impacting with the ground. An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left wing front drag cable had failed, due to fatigue and overload, at the forward end near to the attachment point. The failure of this cable resulted in the wings folding. The manufacturer of the aircraft had published a technical bulletin some seven months prior to the accident recommending that owners replace all the wires on their aircraft and fit a double drag brace system. The owner pilot of this aircraft was aware of the recommendation but had not made the nesessary modifications.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Skycraft Pty Ltd
Model
Skycraft Scout Mk3
Registration
Not registered
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Rosenzweig Farm, 6km North-west of Mannum SA
Departure time
1900
Destination
Rosenzweig Farm SA
Damage
Destroyed