Bournemouth Air Festival: Wing walker plane crash probe
The plane ditched into the water in Poole Harbour
Last updated 20th Oct 2022
A problem with an oil pipe caused a wing walker plane to crash into Poole Harbour, an investigation has found.
The bi-plane ditched into the sea near Sandbanks after losing power during a flying display at Bournemouth Air Festival in September 2021.
The pilot and wing walker were treated for minor injuries after the aircraft flipped as it hit the water.
The aircraft was part of a two aircraft display team performing at the festival.
A statement from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "While performing an aerobatic wing walking display over the sea at Bournemouth Air Festival, the aircraft experienced a reduction in engine power.
"The pilot stopped the routine and flew the aircraft west, while the wing walker returned to her seat in the front cockpit.
"The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power and the pilot ditched in the entrance of Poole Harbour.
"The aircraft flipped over on contact with the water, but both the pilot and the wing walker were able to exit the aircraft unaided.
"The investigation found that the loss of engine power was due to a failure of the oil inlet pipe most likely due to fatigue, which prevented oil being supplied to the engine.
"This was precipitated by a fatigue failure of the metal strap which supported the weight of the oil inlet pipe.
"The fatigue failure was initiated at an area of mechanical damage on the surface of the support strap, which had been caused by over-tightening of the retaining nut.
"Following this accident, the operator introduced additional hand signals to enable the wing walker to inform the pilot of any oil or fuel leaks and for the pilot to inform the walker that he intended to ditch."