This is a Safety Advisory Notice from the Australian ATSB
On 18 August 2021, an amateur-built Stolp Acroduster II, departed Caboolture Airfield, Queensland, Australia for an aerobatic flight, with the pilot being the sole occupant. A short time later the aircraft sustained an in-flight break-up. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The center section of the upper wing was located away from the main aircraft wreckage. Technical examination of the cabane struts from the center section confirmed that there was fatigue cracking and eventual failure of the eye bolts that had held the upper wing in place.
The Australian ATSB Safety Advisory Notice can be viewed here:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/safety-advisory-notice/ao-2021-032-san-001/
The Australian ATSB Safety Advisory Notice can be viewed here:
Investigation: AO-2021-032 - In-flight break-up, Stolp Acroduster II SA-750, VH-YEL 16 km north-east of Caboolture Airfield, Queensland, 18 August 2021 (atsb.gov.au)
This is a cautionary tale for us all. Whether you are the operator of a Stolp Acroduster, or you fly any other kind of aircraft, have a look at the hardware that holds important parts together. Check for deformation, corrosion, fretting, cracking, chafing, paint flaking, looseness, distortion, alignment, missing or loose locking mechanisms, damage, and security. If it makes you wonder, then ask maintenance about it.
