Avionics techo averts accident
Chief Calvert saw what he thought was a washer falling from the aircraft...he quickly wrote a note and passed his concern to the captain...

CPO Peter Calvert spotted what he thought was a washer falling to the taxiway. Close inspection showed a catastrophic failure of two of the main wheel hub bolts.

The Director of Flying Safety (DFS-ADF) and Spotlight have announced that CPOATV Peter Calvert of 816 Squadron, HMAS Albatross is the winner of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s RAeS Field Award for Flying Safety for 2002.

On October 25, a Seahawk was scheduled to depart NAS Nowra to join HMAS Stuart. The departure had been delayed due to a minor unserviceability, leading to considerable pressure to launch to meet the planned embarkation time window.

On rectification the aircraft crew and passengers boarded the aircraft and taxied for departure. However, as the aircraft prepared for takeoff, the aircraft captain requested an inspection of the flight line where the aircraft had been parked. CPO Calvert had seen what he believed to be a washer fall from the aircraft as it taxied from the parking spot.

He had no direct communications with the aircraft’s crew. So, he quickly wrote a note and passed his concern to the aircraft captain via one of the backseat crewmembers.

The aircraft shut down and an inspection subsequently confirmed that two of the eight main wheel hub bolts on the starboard main wheel had sheared.

CPO Calvert’s quick and decisive reaction to an unusual sighting on the flight line averted what had the potential to be a catastrophic failure of the aircraft’s main wheels. Had the aircraft proceeded to the ship and landed in the significant seas being experienced the wheel may have failed, with potentially critical consequences.

CPO Calvert’s actions are highly commendable and provide an excellent example for all maintenance personnel and aircraft passengers. Regardless of the role anyone may play in the operation of aircraft-if you see something unusual: speak up!

The award comprises a $100 prize and a framed certificate. From 2003 the RAeS has increased the value of the prize to $200.

CPO Calvert was on active duty in the Middle East and was presented with his award on his return to NAS Nowra.

 

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