Product liability

Source: www.fasterway.com.au

This is a typical fracture surface. This is a threaded connection (hence the appearance of a depression around the circumference).

The fracture surface was smooth, flat, and perpendicular to the principal axis of the bolt. Crack progression marks (beach marks) extended radially from one side of the bolt and covered approximately 90% of the fracture surface area. The remaining small region towards the outer edge of the bolt exhibited features consistent with an overstress failure. The large area of fatigue cracking and small overstress area indicated that failure of the bolt was due to high cycle low stress fatigue cracking.

Bolt fracture surface showing evidence of fatigue crack progression (beach) marks

Source: ATSB

On 30 May 2015, a Fasterway powered parachute, recreational registration 19-7677, collided with terrain near Theodore, Queensland. The pilot, the sole occupant, died as a result of the accident.

Source: ATSB – Investigation title: Technical assistance to Recreational Aviation Australia in the examination of a fractured eyebolt from the collision with terrain involving a Fasterway Powered Parachute, near Theodore, Qld. on 30 May 2015

Investigation number: AE-2015-075