O-1 Superdog (C-FTGE) – Epilogue
| Type: | O-1 Superdog (C-FTGE) |
|---|---|
| Location: | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC |
| Date: | 25 April 2025 |
The occurrence flight was an Annual Proficiency Check on the O-1 Superdog, a tow-plane used in support of Air Cadet Gliding Program operations. This specific flight was a training flight in preparation for the upcoming gliding season. Part of this preparation also meant that the aircraft had recently completed its winter maintenance cycle and had been returned to service.
Shortly after takeoff, smoke entered the cockpit, and the engine began running rough. An emergency was declared and the pilots continued a right-hand turn and landed immediately following a modified circuit. With increased engine vibration on the landing roll-out, the aircraft was manoeuvred clear of the runway, and shutdown.
The aircraft sustained minor damage that was isolated to the engine. Both pilots sustained minor injuries due to smoke inhalation.
The cause of the malfunction was that the number 1 cylinder connecting rod bolts were under-torqued. Accordingly, the investigation focused on materiel and human factors.
Determining the cause of the under-torqued connecting rod bolts, and maintenance procedures for re-assembling the connecting rod and engine were explored. The preventive measures recommend updating maintenance procedures.
Caption
O-1 Superdog (C-FTGE)
Photo: Capt Bertrand, RCSU(E) UFSO
Caption
Minor damage that was isolated to the engine
Photo: Adjum Moon, DSV