The pilot of a DHC-1 Chipmunk involved in a fatal crash in April last year likely became distracted by a flapping engine cowl, according an the ATSB investigation report released last week.
Chipmunk VH-POR crashed after take-off from Jandakot Airport in Perth, when the aircraft stalled after departing runway 24L. Images taken as the aircraft taxied showed the left engine cowling latches in the open position.
The unsecured cowl began flapping after take-off, leading the pilot to issue a MAYDAY call before the aircraft crashed.
“Footage showed and witness reports indicate the cowling began to flap open and closed after take-off,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
“Rather, the flapping of the cowling likely distracted the pilot, resulting in a high cognitive workload, at which point the aircraft commenced a low level, high angle of bank turn, and aerodynamically stalled.”
The ATSB reviewed previous occurrences involving other Chipmunks, which indicated a flapping cowling would not necessarily result in a loss of control.
Wreckage investigation showed that the right cowl had been properly secured.
Mitchell pointed to the importance of a proper pre-flight, and the consequences of loss of control events, particularly at low level.
The full report is on the ATSB website.