KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report on the Hawker Beechcraft 390 aircraft that crashed in Selangor on Aug 17. The report states that there was no evidence of foreign object intake, bird feathers, or matter in any of the engine components. Additionally, the fan shroud did not show any signs of blade liberation based on visual inspection.
The report further reveals that the starter, hydromechanical unit (HMU), and gearbox had detached from both the right and left engines. There was no evidence of blade liberation at the compressor section. The aileron system, however, could not be definitively identified due to wreckage fragmentation.
The report states that the remaining aileron system control sectors and their associated fittings were intact or showed overload damage. The left and right aileron trim actuators were extended 4.8cm (1.9in). Regarding the aircraft flap system, eight flap actuators were found at the wreckage site, including two actuators that were separated from their control rods. All flap actuators were in the fully extended position, but their exact installation locations could not be determined due to wreckage fragmentation.
The hydraulic spoiler control module was impacted and thermally damaged. It has been retained for further examination. The report also mentions that the spoiler control unit and various actuators have been removed for further examination.
The left and right main landing gear assemblies remained intact to their respective wing attachments but exhibited thermal and impact damage. The right main landing gear actuator piston was impact-separated, and the left and right main landing gear actuators were found in the fully extended (down) position.
The aircraft crashed while manoeuvring for landing, resulting in its destruction and a subsequent fire. All eight occupants on board and two others on the ground were killed in the accident.
The AAIB emphasizes that the report is tentative and subject to alteration or correction if additional evidence becomes available. The final report will be completed no later than August next year.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
