Abstract
Components and systems of military aircraft are regularly subjected to severe operating conditions, which lead to the development of a wide range of failure modes. The Defence Science and Technology Organisations (DSTO) Forensic Engineering and Accident Investigation group investigates such failures for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Correct diagnosis of these failures has provided the ADF with immediate advice that has contributed to increased aircraft safety, improved operational availability, and significant cost savings. This paper presents a number of case studies of recent fatigue failures which have occurred in Australian Defence aircraft. The case studies include examples of failures which occurred via differing fatigue initiating and driving mechanisms. Details of the forensic investigations relating to each case study are provided and the ensuing remedial actions discussed.
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