The Hindu : National : Engine switch-off renders HAL trainer risky

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Monday, Nov 17, 2008
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Engine switch-off renders HAL trainer risky

Ravi Sharma

BANGALORE: The Indian Air Force is seeking urgent remedial action from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on technical problems in the single-engine, piston aircraft used for initial pilot training, HPT-32.

Though technical problems in the HAL-manufactured HPT-32 have occurred almost since its induction in 1984, the IAF’s concern now stems from engine cuts suffered by two HPT-32s at the Bidar Air Force Station recently.

Senior officials told The Hindu that the two engine cuts — a situation where the aircraft engine suddenly switches off — one on the ground and the other while the aircraft was airborne caused serious concern among the young and inexperienced cadets.

“Though the aircraft has been with the IAF since 1984, HAL has not been able to completely rectify the problem primarily with the engine and caused possibly by a design mismatch between the HAL-manufactured airframe and the Lycoming AEO piston engine.”

The cadets must now go through elaborate and normally unnecessary procedures while taxiing. While airborne, they will have to remember procedures which will ensure that the engine does not switch off.

“The cadets are naturally not at ease with flying.”

A few years ago, after a series of accidents, the IAF almost declared the HPT-32 “too dangerous to fly solo.” Then, the engine cuts in mid-air were traced to the entry of vapour from the fuel lines. HAL engineers have initiated a number of changes including the ‘1116 modification,’ by creating an air separator tank that gathers vapour and feeds it back to the fuel tanks. But engine cuts have continued.

In May, a 21-year-old cadet Deepika Sharma was killed when the HPT-32 she was flying solo plunged to the ground just after takeoff. Sources said preliminary findings showed that the engine had suffered a leak, spluttering oil on the windshield.

Replacement

The IAF hopes that HAL will come out with a replacement for the HPT-32 by 2013-14 and has finalised its qualitative requirements —a trainer that has a reliable turboprop engine, an ejection seat, a glass cockpit and a benign aircraft with good spin characteristics.

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