Failure investigation: Analysis procedure and some notable aircraft and aeroengine service failures

Abstract

Failure of an aircraft structural component can have catastrophic consequences, with a resultant loss of life and of the aircraft. The investigation of defects and failures in aircraft structures is, thus, of the vital importance in preventing further incidents. This review discusses the common failure modes observed in aircraft structures, with examples drawn from case histories. A review has given three notable aircraft and aeroengine service failures investigated by the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR in the Netherlands. All three failures were initiated by a corrosion.