HPH Glasflugel 304eS FES battery fire

[James Thomson[_2_]]

The AAIB report has been published:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf

[Ben Hirashima]

On Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 3:00:06 AM UTC-7, James Thomson wrote:
> The AAIB report has been published:
>
> https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
> 5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf

Thanks for posting. It was a very interesting read. The actions taken by the sailplane manufacturers seem likely to improve the safety of electric propulsion. We're lucky we were able to learn these lessons without anyone getting hurt.

[Richard DalCanto]

On Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 4:00:06 AM UTC-6, James Thomson wrote:
> The AAIB report has been published:
>
> https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
> 5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf

Wow, I'm really impressed with the improvements they have made to the battery packs.

[[email protected]]

Good read, it says the guy may have dropped the pack but it seemed ok.

"A survey of other FES batteries from the in-service fleet revealed the presence of metallic debris in a significant proportion of those batteries examined."

The solution is to improve warning and containment after a fire starts.
That seems good, but would less spare parts help with before the fire starts?

My guess is the pack builder is tightening up his process.
For now, no charge for the spare parts.
Longer term, looks like a really nice system.

[Gary Wayland]

On Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:00:06 AM UTC-4, James Thomson wrote:
> The AAIB report has been published:
>
> https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
> 5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf

What year did they start putting sustainer engines in 304's?

[Sean Franke]

On Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 5:26:52 PM UTC-7, Gary Wayland wrote:
> On Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:00:06 AM UTC-4, James Thomson wrote:
> > The AAIB report has been published:
> >
> > https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
> > 5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf
>
> What year did they start putting sustainer engines in 304's?

304 is the line of HpH Sailplanes. 304eS is the 18 meter Shark.

[Gary Wayland]

On Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 11:33:50 AM UTC-5, Sean Franke wrote:
> On Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 5:26:52 PM UTC-7, Gary Wayland wrote:
> > On Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:00:06 AM UTC-4, James Thomson wrote:
> > > The AAIB report has been published:
> > >
> > > https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b74225ce5274a0b344cabd
> > > 5/HPH_Glasflugel_304_eS_G-GSGS_09-18.pdf
> >
> > What year did they start putting sustainer engines in 304's?
>
> 304 is the line of HpH Sailplanes. 304eS is the 18 meter Shark.

I had one of the first 304's from HPH. Number seven... So this is the 18meter Shark... Thanks for the info...

[Richard DalCanto]

On Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 5:23:13 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> Good read, it says the guy may have dropped the pack but it seemed ok.
>
> "A survey of other FES batteries from the in-service fleet revealed the presence of metallic debris in a significant proportion of those batteries examined."
>
> The solution is to improve warning and containment after a fire starts.
> That seems good, but would less spare parts help with before the fire starts?
>
> My guess is the pack builder is tightening up his process.
> For now, no charge for the spare parts.
> Longer term, looks like a really nice system.

The fix is not just improved warning and containment after a fire starts. From the article, it looks like the cells are packaged and protected much better now:
"The new FES battery features additional nomex-mylar insulation between the cells and an increased quantity of silicone encapsulation of the battery cells to prevent foreign objects from falling between the cells. The edges of the battery cells pouches are covered in an electrically-insulating tape to prevent electrical discharge of the cell should the cell pouch seal fail.. The stainless steel battery cell connector plates have been replaced with anodized aluminium plates which have been demonstrated not to eject machining swarf from screw threads when the connector screws are inserted during assembly."