Fatal Jandakot plane crash that killed pilot Simon Carrel prompts warning from authorities

Pilots and maintenance workers have been warned to ensure their planes are flightworthy following an investigation into a crash at Jandakot Airport earlier this year.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau launched an investigation after the fatal crash of a DHC-1 Chipmunk on April 26 that killed pilot Simon Carrel, a former military pilot training aircraft.

Mr Carrel, 73, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries but died in hospital three days later.

Now the ATSB has advised DHC-1 Chipmunk maintainers and owners that crashworthiness could be significantly compromised if incorrect rivets are used.

Investigators found that non-specification rivets had been installed on the aircraft.

“Two sets of rivets — 12 in total — attaching the structure to the fuselage sheared during the accident,” transport safety director Stuart Godley said.

“The ATSB found that the rear row of rivets in each set – that is, three of the six rivets on each side – were pure or near-pure aluminium.”

This meant the rivets did not meet the specification of the relevant modification.

While the crashworthiness of the aircraft had been compromised by the presence of non-specification rivets, the ATSB has yet to establish whether it contributed to the outcome of this accident.

However, as there is the potential for other Chipmunks to have incorrect rivets installed in this location, the ATSB determined it was important to bring the issue to the attention of Chipmunk operators.

“The use of upper torso restraints such as a shoulder harness can prevent the occupant from striking the surrounding structure during an accident,” Dr Godley said.

“It is crucial that all components forming part of that restraint system and the structures to which they are attached are maintained to defined specifications.”

The notice therefore advises DHC-1 Chipmunk maintainers and owners incorrect specification rivets where the upper structure between the front and rear cockpits attaches to the gussets on either side could compromise the crashworthiness of the aircraft.

The investigation is continuing.