Report released into Royal Navy jet crash in Cornwall
A report has found engine failure was to blame for the incident involving a Hawk T1
Last updated 1st Aug 2022
A report has found that the crash of a Royal Navy jet in Cornwall was due to engine failure, caused by an "incorrectly fitted" Mechanical Detection Plug.
The Hawk T1 from RNAS Culdrose came down in woodland in the St Martin area near Helston.
The pilot and a passenger ejected during a training exercise back in 2021 and despite being airlifted to Derriford, did not suffer serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses described seeing their parachutes open before hearing a "very loud bang" as the jet banked over a nearby hill.
The jets were temporarily grounded while an investigation was carried out.
The report by the Defence Safety Authority was published last week, 16 months following the incident on 25th March.
The report states: "The cause of the accident was engine failure due to a loss of engine oil after an incorrectly fitted Magnetic Chip Detection (MCD) plug was ejected from its housing on engine start by the oil system working pressure. Furthermore, there was failure of the self-sealing valve situated within the missing MCD housing, the purpose of which is to prevent oil from leaking when the MCD is not present.
It said there were "a number of aggravating factors including the route flown and the communication flow between the aircrew and Air Traffic Control that affected the final outcome", adding "these should be considered in context whilst acknowledging the professionalism of the aircrew in what was an undoubtedly stressful and dynamic situation".
It added that the "immediate actions of the post-crash management team and emergency personnel were commendable".
In his conclusion, Air Marshal Steve Shell, director general of the DSA, said: "There are valuable lessons from this occurrence that are transferrable across all emergency occurrences. From post-crash management and informing procedures to aviation specifics across all air systems, including effective and timely communication flow between air crew and air traffic control, clarity of digital engineering publications and the difficulties of duty holder constructs across platforms operating in the joint environment.
"Having read this report, I am content that this occurrence has been investigated, analysed and reported thoroughly, accurately and vigorously. I am assured that the recommendations contained in this report have or will be actioned to reduce the likelihood of a future reoccurrence in the Hawk and other fleets".
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