Aerobatic pilot recovers after harness failure causes nosedive

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 04:32 · Archive

An aerobatic instructor fell from his seat when his harness failed during an inverted manoeuvre, sending his aircraft into a nosedive.

An instructor aboard a CAP 10B aerobatic aircraft operated by Flight Training Adelaide fell out of his seat when his crotch strap suddenly released during an upset prevention and recovery training flight near Adelaide in February. The aircraft was at an altitude of about 7000 feet when the strap disconnected as the plane rolled into an inverted position during a split S manoeuvre, sending it into a nosedive.

The instructor completed a pitch roll to the left and gently pulled out to recover the aircraft to normal flight at 3000 feet, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau reported. The plane returned to Parafield Airport without further incident. The instructor received a minor head injury from impacting the overhead canopy, which sustained minor damage.

The ATSB investigation found evidence of wear on the buckle's internal sub-parts and latches. Pre-flight safety checks conducted by the instructor did not identify any issues with the harness. The incident occurred in February; a separate and unrelated incident in April saw another aircraft operated by the same company crash into a hangar at Parafield, killing an instructor and trainee pilot.

How it is being reported

• Aerobatic plane nose-dived after pilot's harness failedA pilot fell against his plane's canopy when his harness failed during an aerobatic manoeuvre, sending his aircraft into a nosedive, investigators have found.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 03:59
• Aerobatic plane nose-dived after pilot's harness failedA pilot fell against his plane's canopy when his harness failed during an aerobatic manoeuvre, sending his aircraft into a nosedive, investigators have found.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 03:59

In this story: Australian Transport Safety Bureau · Flight Training Adelaide · Parafield Airport · Adelaide · Kerri Hughes

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