§ Mr. Martin BellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the incidents of Uncommanded Flying Control Movements in Chinook helicopters since 1994 in which subsequent inspections reported no fault found. [103639]
§ Mr. SpellarThere were two incidents of Uncommanded Flying Control Movements in Chinook helicopters since 1994 in which subsequent inspections reported no fault found:
- 18 August 1995—aircraft experienced a 12° nose down pitch.
- 23 December 1997—aircraft suffered vertical bounce on the ground after landing.
Where an investigation has not pinpointed a fault, the components most likely to have caused the fault may be changed and the aircraft subsequently flight tested to confirm its correct function. In both of the occurrences listed the pilots were able to counteract the UFCM and control of the aircraft was not lost.