Software Problem Indentified In Fatal May Crash

The Australian Army announced Thursday it is grounding its fleet of five Chinook CH-47D helicopters temporarily, but indefinitely, after determining that a glitch in the software for the aircraft's Advanced Flight Control System was a factor in the death of one of its pilots in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Marcus Case, 27, (photo from SkyNews screen capture) was reportedly on a familiarization flight in a Chinook in Afghanistan on May 30 of this year when the helicopter was seen to lean over on one side and impact the ground. Sky News reports Australian Defence has determined that in certain wind conditions, the Chinook's automatic stability system can fight the pilot's inputs, resulting in an oscillation which may lead to a loss of control. With the manufacturer unable to find the software glitch, it was deemed necessary to ground the fleet.

Director General Aviation, Brigadier Neil Turton says the suspension is to ensure safety and is consistent with Army Operational Airworthiness procedures, adding, “The precautionary suspension will remain in place pending technical analysis of flight data by Defence and Boeing.”

The Australian Army operates five CH-47D Chinook aircraft. Of the five aircraft, two aircraft are deployed to Afghanistan, one is deployed to Papua New Guinea; one is on Horn Island; and the remaining aircraft is in Townsville where the Chinook fleet is based.

FMI: www.defpro.com/news/details/28532/?SID=213161e9d4a28bce09da36ee0750b5dc