AWB 02-018 Issue : 1 BAC 167 Strikemaster Accident Date : 10 October 2006

1. Applicability

All BAC 167 Strikemaster and Jet Provost Aircraft

2. Purpose

This AWB provides owners and operators with important airworthiness information arising from an accident involving a Strikemaster on 5 October 2006.

3. Background

On 5 October 2006, a BAC Strikemaster aircraft crashed while operating over rugged terrain near Bathurst. Initial indications are that the aircraft broke up in-flight. While ATSB investigators have not yet completed their investigations, they have been able to determine that the right wing of the aircraft separated in flight. Whether this was the cause of the accident, or the result of some other failure, is not known at this stage.

4. Recommendation

Given the possibility of a structural failure of the aircraft, CASA recommends that Strikemaster and Jet Provost owners and operators reassess the airworthiness of their aircraft. The UK CAA has published several “Mandatory Permit Directives” pertaining to the BAC 167 Strikemaster and Jet Provost types. Some of these pertain to cracking in wing structures and attachment fittings.

These “Mandatory Permit Directives” are published by the UK CAA, and are available at www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP661.PDF. Two of the UK Directives have been mandated by AD. AD/STRIKEMASTER/3 and AD/STRIKEMASTER/4 mandate compliance with MPD 1995-101 and MPD 1995-109 respectively. Further advice will be provided when more information becomes available.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au/airworth/awb/02/018.pdf