The BFU reported that prior to the crash parts separated from the aircraft as it was approaching the airfield for a high speed pass with landing gear retracted. Parts of the elevators and parts of the horizontal stabiliser sheeting were found 400 meters away from the first impact site, about 1500 meters away from the runway threshold. The reason for the separation of these parts is not completely clarified at present, but one of the hypotheses is that this separation could be due to flutter conditions. The investigation is therefore currently specifically focusing on the speed of the aircraft prior to the crash versus the allowed speed envelope of test aircraft No 2, which was not fully opened at the time of the accident. Indeed, as a result of flight tests on aircraft No 1, the elevators and horizontal stabilizer of test aircraft No 2 were enlarged to slightly increase the control surface efficiency.

With regard to the ongoing program, test aircraft No 1 is currently undergoing a 300-hours-maintenance check, combined with a thorough inspection of the entire aircraft. There are no concerns regarding the initial tail design of test aircraft No 1 as the envelope was already fully opened up to high speeds in excess of Vmo up to VD. Following this examination it is expected that, in agreement with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA), Grob Aerospace will be resuming the flight test program in the coming weeks.

The fuselage of spn test aircraft No 3 is now complete and is scheduled to fly for the first time during the second quarter of 2007. Grob Aerospace also confirms that a fully conforming fourth spn test aircraft will join the flight test program in September 2007, together with the.first serial production aircraft. The manufacturer is working towards European EASA certification during the first quarter of 2008 with US FAA certification following in the second quarter of that year.

“We are grateful for the superb support from our customers and have been greatly encouraged by the fact that we are continuously taking firm orders for the spn. We remain convinced that this aircraft will be a leader in this developing field of civil aviation”, said Niall Olver, CEO Grob Aerospace

Original Release