Zenair CH601-XL Update - 5th December 2008
The CAA issued an MPD on 24 November 2008 formally grounding the CH601-XL in the UK, following the LAA's earlier advice to owners. LAA Engineering continues to be fully involved in pursuing a resolution to this issue and is working to that end on a daily basis.
LAA Engineering has recently managed to make contact with the Dutch accident investigators and has started getting some information relating to the accident there. Similarly, links have been established with Zenair Europe as well as the NTSB in the US, who are investigating other accidents involving the type. Reviews of the structure have raised some queries and LAA is working closely with the other parties to establish whether they might be contributory factors.
It is hoped that any areas of concern can be rapidly addressed so that members can get back in the air as soon as possible; although this is likely to be dependent on modifications being proposed to address any areas of concern."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5th November 2008
Following the accident in Holland and the issue of an 'AD' by the Zenair factory, the LAA has reviewed the situation as it currently stands and has concluded that more work needs to be done to resolve a potential aileron flutter issue on this type, which may or may not have been a factor in this accident. Reluctantly, the LAA has recommended to the UK CAA that the Zenair CH601-XL type administered by the LAA be grounded pending further investigations. All affected owners have been contacted directly by letter, a copy of which can be found here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30th October 2008
The Dutch Authorities have recently grounded their fleet of CH601-XL aircraft following a fatal accident.
At the current time, the LAA and CAA are not mandating any action, but LAA Engineering have released this statement.
Updates will be posted here and owners will be written to directly if and when any action needs to be taken. Francis Donaldson's article from September's Light Aviation can be found here.
Jon Viner Deputy Chief Engineer LAA
©LAA
Site developed by LAA in conjunciton with itHomepage Ltd