AAIB Report: Jabiru UL-450, G-CDFK on 4 April 2023
Safety Recommendation: 2024-013
Safety Recommendation Text
It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority mandate a suitable life limit for the carburettor to plenum chamber coupling, Jabiru part number 4691084 (or equivalent parts), to ensure the couplings are removed from use before a crack can propagate.
CAA latest update
BCAR Section A (CAP 553), Chapter A3-7, paragraph 12 requires life limited components to be identified, recorded and checked to ensure that life limits are not exceeded. At the time of the accident the carburettor to plenum chamber coupling (part number 4691084) had exceeded its life limit by 11 years. There was no evidence of the coupling having been inspected in the years prior to the accident, recognising that it was operating beyond its life limit. Had such a check been performed, the CAA considers it likely that the deterioration would have been identified, resulting in the coupling being replaced.
The CAA also recognises that it may be acceptable to exceed manufacturer life limits for some components if an assessment has been conducted and a suitable justification is recorded in the continuing airworthiness record system. Such an approach should ensure that components like the Jabiru coupling remain airworthy and may be as effective as a mandate.
Before considering issuing a mandate, the CAA believes it is appropriate to first liaise with the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) with respect to their processes for conducting airworthiness reviews to ensure life limited components are identified and recorded, with any exceedances suitably justified.
Next update due
31 March 2025
Safety Recommendation: 2024-014
Safety Recommendation Text
It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority consider mandating a suitable life limit for components used in similar applications to the Jabiru carburettor to plenum chamber coupling on other engine and aircraft types, to ensure the components are removed from use before their condition deteriorate beyond an airworthy condition.
CAA latest update
The CAA acknowledges that it may be acceptable to exceed manufacturer life limits for certain components if a thorough assessment is conducted and a valid justification is documented in the continuing airworthiness record system. The CAA considers that such an approach will help ensure that life-limited components remain airworthy and may be similarly effective to a mandate.
Before considering issuing a mandate, the CAA believes it is appropriate to first liaise with the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) with respect to their processes for conducting airworthiness reviews to ensure life limited components are identified and recorded, with any exceedances suitably justified.
Next update due
31 March 2025
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