Air Accidents Investigation Branch
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After landing, an upper left wing panel detached from the aircraft and came to rest in the grass area to the side of the runway. The panel was found two months later and the AAIB was notified. The wing panel most likely detached due to fatigue cracking of its supporting rib. This rib was known to suffer from cracks and the aircraft manufacturer had published a Service Letter with actions to help mitigate cracking, although the actions have not always prevented it. Analysis by the aircraft manufacturer indicated that there was low probability of a detached wing panel causing damage that would result in either an injury or prevent continued safe flight. The main hazard was considered to be runway foreign object debris (FOD) which could cause damage to a landing or departing aircraft.