Anniversary Statement: Ikarus C42, G-CICF

The aircraft’s lithium-ion main battery caught fire shortly after takeoff, creating significant quantities of smoke and hazardous gases within the aircraft cabin that affected the ability of the pilot to safely control the aircraft.  A passenger, sitting in the right seat, was able to open the cabin door in flight, which reduced the level of smoke in the cabin and the aircraft landed safely. The investigation is ongoing, and the final report is expected to be published in early 2024.