The Cause of the Keuru Hawk Accident has been Revealed
The cause of the Hawk aircraft accident in Keuruu, Central Finland, in May 2023 has been determined to be a broken part in the engine's low-pressure compressor.
On May 2023, a Hawk aircraft crashed in Keuruu, Finland, with the investigation revealing that the accident was caused by the breaking of a blade in the engine's low-pressure compressor (LPC2) during flight. The investigation indicates that the initial crack likely formed during a prior flight when the aircraft experienced severe side-slip, resulting in vibrations that contributed to the compressor blade's failure. It was noted that such vibrational effects had not been adequately considered in modifications made to the compressor by the manufacturer.
The investigation took longer than usual due to its complexity, as pinpointing the exact time and mechanism of the damage proved challenging. The investigation team stated, "the exact time and mechanism of the damage could not be fully determined." Following the incident, repairs and modifications were made to Hawk aircraft to prevent similar accidents in the future, reflecting the serious implications of the findings for aircraft safety standards and operational protocols.
This revelation not only underscores the intricate nature of aircraft safety investigations but also highlights the importance of ongoing scrutiny and evaluation of engineering designs and past modifications to aircraft systems to ensure the safety and reliability of military operations. The accident has raised awareness within the Ilmavoimat (Finnish Air Force) about the potential risks associated with aging aircraft and the need for vigilance in maintenance and inspection practices.