AAIB investigation to Airbus A319-131, G-DBCF

Multiple inertial reference systems drift, during climb from Edinburgh Airport, 6 August 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 16 June 2022
• Last updated: 7 July 2022 — See all updates

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 6 August 2021
• Aircraft type: Airbus A319-131
• Location: During climb from Edinburgh Airport
• Registration: G-DBCF

Summary:

During a flight from Edinburgh Airport to London Heathrow the autopilot and autothrust disconnected. After several minutes the flight crew were able to re-engage them but they disconnected again during the approach. The aircraft landed safely.

The autopilot and autothrust disconnects were caused by severe drift of the aircraft’s Inertial Reference System due to vertical shock loads transferred into the system during the takeoff roll. The source of the shock loading was an uneven repair patch on the runway. The nose landing gear shock absorber was found to be over extended, leading to transfer of vertical shock forces into the airframe.

The aircraft manufacturer had investigated previous similar events and published guidance to maintenance organisations but had not published information to flight crew.

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Airbus A319-131, G-DBCF 07-22

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 16 June 2022
Last updated 7 July 2022 + show all updates

1. 7 July 2022

   Report published

2. 16 June 2022

   First published.