AAIB investigation to CAP 231, G-IIHZ

Rudder and fin structural failure in flight, Northrepps Airfield, Norfolk, 9 January 2022.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 11 August 2022

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 9 January 2022
• Aircraft type: CAP 231
• Location: Mundesley, Norfolk
• Registration: G-IIHZ

Summary:

The pilot had taken off from Northrepps Airfield in Norfolk to carry out an aerobatic display sequence practice. During one of the manoeuvres, he felt a “jolt” through the airframe and the aircraft departed into an inverted spin. He was able to regain control of the aircraft and land back on the airfield. Examination of the aircraft found that the plywood mounting structures of the lower hinge assembly of the rudder and fin had failed. The exact cause and sequence of the failure of the various structures could not be determined.

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CAP 231, G-IIHZ 08-22

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Published 11 August 2022