Incident Overview

Date: Monday 30 May 1994
Aircraft Type: Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III
Owner/operator: Air New Zealand Link Opb Air Nelson
Registration Number: ZK-NSW
Location: 28NM North-East of Palmerston North – ÿ New Zealand
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 11
Component Affected: Cockpit side window, cockpit, rear cabin, headset, papers, oxygen mask, and the top forward corner.Cockpit side window, cockpit, rear cabin, headset, papers, oxygen mask, and the top forward corner.
Investigating Agency: TAICTAIC
Category: Accident
An aircraft operating flight NZ 8546 to Gisborne experienced a loss of pressurization during its flight. The aircraft lost pressure rapidly, resulting in a brief mist and a loss of cockpit and rear cabin components. The pilot attempted to communicate with air traffic control and descended to a safe altitude, eventually landing safely at Palmerston North. A fatigue crack in the window and a design flaw contributed to the incident.An aircraft operating flight NZ 8546 to Gisborne experienced a loss of pressurization during its flight. The aircraft lost pressure rapidly, resulting in a brief mist and a loss of cockpit and rear cabin components. The pilot attempted to communicate with air traffic control and descended to a safe altitude, eventually landing safely at Palmerston North. A fatigue crack in the window and a design flaw contributed to the incident.

Description

The aircraft was scheduled to operate flight NZ 8546 to Gisborne. The flight plan would see the aircraft pass over Napier. The aircraft would be carrying 2 crew members and 9 passengers. The aircraft took off and reached its cruising altitude at 17000ft. Several minutes later a loud bang was heard as the F/O?s cockpit side window shattered outward. The aircraft rapidly lost pressure and the cockpit and rear cabin would briefly form a mist. The glare shield was pushed against the F/O?s chest and his headset, papers, and oxygen mask was sucked out. The captain was unable to communicate with the F/O as the noise from the rushing air and engines would drown out most things. The captain was able to determine that the aircraft was able to fly safely but it had completely lost pressurization. The captain attempted to contact control and began descending to a safe altitude. He slowed down to around 140kts in order to be able to properly hear ATC. He was given clearance for an emergency landing at Palmerston North. The aircraft landed safely. The F/O was treated for minor injuries. Probable Cause: A fatigue Crack in the Window as well as a design flaw which put excessive pressure on the top forward corner.

Source of Information

https://www.taic.org.nz/sites/default/files/inquiry/documents/94-013.pdf, https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1380562/zk-nsw-air-new-zealand-link-fairchild-swearingen-sa-227ac-metro-iiihttps://www.taic.org.nz/sites/default/files/inquiry/documents/94-013.pdf, https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1380562/zk-nsw-air-new-zealand-link-fairchild-swearingen-sa-227ac-metro-iii

Primary Cause

Fatigue crack in the window and a design flaw which put excessive pressure on the top forward corner.Fatigue crack in the window and a design flaw which put excessive pressure on the top forward corner.

Share on:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *