Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 25-235 near Miller, MO — 2016-08-05

Final reportCEN16LA332
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Date
2016-08-05
Location
Miller, MO, USA
Airport
MO9
Aircraft
PIPER PA 25-235
Registration
N6542Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The mechanic's improper installation of the left aileron swage fitting, which resulted in an inflight loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot departed on the first test flight of the newly-restored airplane. Ten minutes after takeoff, the left aileron cable separated from the control stick. The pilot returned to the airport, but the airplane became harder to control as it slowed. The airplane's right wing contacted a corn field, and the airplane impacted terrain about 300 ft short of the runway. Postaccident examination found that the left aileron swage fitting was improperly secured, which resulted in the separation of the aileron cable. The control cable had been re-rigged during restoration.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing control issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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