AAIB Report: Ikarus C42 FB80 Bravo, G-CICF, on 8 December 2022
Safety Recommendation: 2024-006
Safety Recommendation Text
It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority amends the design and installation requirements for lithium-ion main batteries that are located in the cabin areas of Non-Part 21 aircraft, to minimise the hazard to aircraft occupants following a thermal runaway.
CAA latest update
We are continuing to work with the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) to review and, where necessary, amend their existing standard modifications for fitment of lithium main batteries in place of standard lead-acid batteries to ensure the installations comply with the relevant design and installation requirements.
Several meetings have taken place between the BMAA, LAA and CAA since the last update. A gap analysis between UN 38.3 and DO-311A has been undertaken concluding that there are no significant differences between the two technical specifications. Work continues on the design and installation review aspects and the considerations to amend current LAA/BMAA modification procedures.
Once this work is completed, we will then be reminding organisations holding an A8- 1 approval of their responsibility to promulgate safety information (e.g. service bulletins) issued by the aircraft manufacturer to ensure that critical safety information is provided to operators in a timely manner.
Next update due
September 2025