Lessons Learned From an Electric Airplane Accident

Investigators make safety recommendations after ZeroAvia’s forced landing.

Thom Patterson

Monday, July 11, 2022 at 01:22 PM ET

Verified

The accident occurred as the modified Piper Malibu Mirage lined up for landing. [Courtesy: AAIB]

Key Takeaways:

ZeroAvia's modified electric Piper Malibu Mirage experienced a forced landing during a test flight after windmilling propellers caused an inverter lockout, leading to a complete loss of power.
The accident report identified critical contributing factors including insufficient ground testing for back voltage effects, inadequate pilot displays and warnings, and procedural/organizational shortcomings.
ZeroAvia has acknowledged the findings and "robustly addressed" the identified issues, implementing comprehensive safety and design improvements.
The incident underscores the developmental challenges in electric aviation, prompting regulatory recommendations for enhanced guidance on experimental aircraft design and oversight.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Leading electric airplane developer ZeroAvia says it has “addressed robustly” many issues contributing to an accident of a modified Piper Malibu Mirage (PA-46-350P) propelled by two electric motors.

In the April 2021 event, the airplane lost power during a flight test, causing a forced landing just outside Cranfield Airport (EGTC), in Bedfordshire, England. Neither member of the two-person flight crew was injured in the accident.