When this incident happened last year, we were flying in the area (in a Pilatus PC9) and ATC asked us to do a visual inspection and escort him to Adelaide International (YPAD). He was flying with an aux tank installed on the rear seat.
The aircraft was built by Frank Fly back in 2000, but is now owned and flown by Steve Robinson. I recently spoke to Steve and they still don't know what caused the loss of the window. He said the aux tank sat on a platform which should have permitted air to the outflow valve, but a jacket or map could have caused a blockage. Steve said they had flown with this configuration a number of times without issue in the past. The Dukes controller was found to have a faulty circuit board, but the max pressure differential safety valve should have prevented over pressurization. The aircraft is still being repaired and should be back flying in early 2014.
Of note, Steve said when they lost the window, the portable oxy system went with the window! All he could do was a rapid descent to 8000ft (150 nm off the coast).
Patrick LIV-602
Sent from my iPhone
hi there
i was looking for something else and came upon this;
i had never seen this report so i passed it on
i think it is useful to look at all the failures and accidents.
it helps keep us safe. I LIKE SOMEONE COMMENT THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A OVER PRESSURIZATION
interesting idea and good food for thought.
peter
To: lml@lancaironline.netDate: Mon, 4 Nov 2013 14:59:20 -0500 From: toddlong1@gmail.comSubject: [LML] Re: DECOMPRESSION AT 25,000 FEET Happened 7/2/2012. Look up VHOPR turbine.
Typing and grammar errors courtesy of Siri and the iPhone.
OBVIOUSLY A PILOT WHO KEPT HIS COOL
Lancair IVP depressurisation at FL250
This happened in Australia a few days ago. The window separated
while in the cruise at FL250. The aircraft was landed safely with I
understand, no injuries or ill effects (it didn't mention the state of
the pilot's underwear!).
It will be interesting to hear the full report to see whether there are any consequences for operators of the IVP. peter (note the spelling)
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