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

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

Key Takeaways:

ZeroAvia's modified Piper Malibu Mirage experienced a forced landing due to a loss of electrical power when inverters locked out during a power source switch from battery to hydrogen fuel cell, triggered by overvoltage from windmilling propellers.
The accident was primarily attributed to insufficient ground testing for back voltage, a cluttered and poorly located pilot display, ineffective emergency procedures, and organizational oversight issues.
ZeroAvia conducted an internal investigation, addressing many identified issues, implementing robust safety measures, and revising future technical designs and organizational culture.
The incident highlights the significant challenges still facing the electric aviation industry in ensuring the reliability and safety of developing electric flight technologies.

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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.