Sweetnam, Garry; Mitchell, Andrew - Non-inquest findings

Unknown·Multiple fractures and internal lacerations as a consequence of heavy impact in a plane crash caused by in-flight canopy failure

Two experienced aircraft operators died when their Zenith Zodiac CH601 XL aircraft crashed into the ocean near Surfers Paradise on 7 March 2008. Extensive investigation by police, Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA), and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) concluded that in-flight failure of the aircraft canopy was the most probable cause of the crash. The canopy latching mechanism failed or the canopy opened during aerobatic manoeuvres, causing loss of control and a rapid unrecoverable dive. Analysis of recovered canopy fragments showed brittle fracture consistent with overstress. The RAA subsequently issued mandatory airworthiness directives requiring secondary latching mechanisms on all Zodiac CH601 XL aircraft. No further canopy failures have been reported in Australia since implementation of these safety measures.