The fatal accident with a sports plane in Kornhorn in Groningen was caused two years ago by the cockpit hood opening during flight. This is the conclusion of the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) after an investigation.
The 75-year-old pilot from the municipality of Westerkwartier lost control of the aircraft, after which the sports aircraft hit the ground. According to the OVV, it is likely that the hood was not properly closed before the plane took off. This happens more often with this type of sports aircraft. This had deadly consequences twice before.
In this case, the pilot was unable to regain control of the aircraft. According to RTV North did the man have enough flying hours to his name and had he passed the medical examination a month before the accident. He was alone in the plane.
The manufacturer of the light aircraft has prescribed an amendment to the flight manual. It deals with emergency procedures that the pilot must follow if the canopy opens during flight. In 2019, the manufacturer also recommended locking the hood with a safety hook and sensor, so that it can no longer open unintentionally. The flying club, the owner of the plane, was not aware of this.
An earlier incident with this aircraft from the same flying club did not raise awareness of this danger, says the OVV. “At the time, the tasks and responsibilities, especially in the areas of maintenance, instruction and safety, were not very clear within the flying club.”
OVV wants the minister to raise awareness
The OVV makes two recommendations to increase the safety of flying this type of aircraft: the manufacturer must make it mandatory to install the safety hook and sensor to lock the hood, and Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management) must raise awareness of ensure the safety of these types of sport aircraft.
According to the researchers, involved organisations, owners and pilots have a shared responsibility. Harbers will respond to this within ninety days.
