Directorate General of Civil Aviation probe into Belagavi trainer aircraft crash finds many deficiencies in training academy

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) investigation into the serious incident involving a trainer aircraft in Belagavi in 2023 has concluded in its report that the Redbird Flight Training Academy (RFTA), to which the aircraft belonged, had deficiencies in maintenance practices, poor surveillance system, and inadequate manpower at its base in Belagavi.

On May 30, 2023, a 24-year-old student trainee pilot flying a TECNAM P2008JC aircraft was involved in a forced landing incident near Belagavi Airport while conducting a solo circuit and landing exercise.

The student pilot was authorised to carry out four solo circuit flights, which included one go-around and two stop-and-go exercises, followed by a full stop landing, on the day of the incident. However, during the fourth circuit exercise, immediately after takeoff while climbing, continuous engine vibrations were experienced along with a burning smell.

Not enough thrust

The probe report stated that the engine’s RPM fluctuated, and there was insufficient thrust for climbing. Consequently, the aircraft began descending. “The pilot initiated the engine failure procedure, but due to the persistent loss of altitude, decided to perform an emergency landing in a nearby suitable field. The engine propeller had completely stopped rotating by the time of the landing. The aircraft made a forced landing in an open field, and upon impact, it bumped before finally coming to a halt in a tilted position on its left side,” the report stated.

While the aircraft suffered significant damage, the pilot did not suffer any injuries.

Purging problem: report

The DGCA said that the probable cause of the incident was due to improper purging of the oil system during engine installation which led to the failure of the intake valve retainer. “Consequently, the intake valve dropped into the combustion chamber, resulting in extensive damage to the combustion chamber and causing severe damage to the engine,” it said.

Post the incident, the DGCA team inspected the RFTA base in Belagavi to assess any deviations in maintenance practices, base facilities, and stores.

“The RFTA Belagavi base inspection findings highlight the deficiencies in the maintenance practices, store inventory management, coolant handling, poor surveillance system, inadequate manpower underscore potential risks to the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft maintenance,” the report said.

A contributory factor to the incident was the use of unapproved fuel in the aircraft which contained 12% ethanol (E12), exceeding the approved limit of 10% ethanol (E10) blended fuel.