Safety issue

Safety issue description

Although a number of aerobatic manoeuvres were permitted in Tiger Moth aircraft, there was no limitation on the amount of aerobatic operations that was considered to be safe. As a result, operators may be unaware that a high aerobatic usage may exceed the original design assumptions for the aircraft. 

Issue number AO-2013-226-SI-08
Issue owner de Havilland Support Ltd
Transport function Aviation: General aviation
Issue status Closed – Not addressed
Date issue released 21/01/2016
Issue status justification

The ATSB has contacted de Havilland Support Ltd and the safety action proposed in 2016 has not yet been implemented. Therefore, the safety issue has been closed not adequately addressed. The ATSB remains hopeful that the proposed implementation of a new Technical News Sheet supported by a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive will be forthcoming.

Issue finalisation date 14/08/2023

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2013-226-NSA-045
Organisation de Havilland Support Ltd
Action date 21/01/2016
Action description

A new Technical News Sheet [TNS], to be issued in January 2016, will define the acceptable intensity of aerobatic utilisation for Tiger Moth aircraft. The TNS will expand on the existing UK [United Kingdom] Certification Basis which already details the specific aerobatic manoeuvres which can and cannot be carried out. This TNS will be mandated by UK CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] Airworthiness Directive.

Action status Released