Pilot Debrief

ZENITH 750 Cruzer near New Smyrna, FL — 2021-09-14

Final reportERA21LA360
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Date
2021-09-14
Location
New Smyrna, FL, USA
Airport
X50
Aircraft
ZENITH 750 Cruzer
Registration
N161AR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the flight control system, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just purchased the experimental amateur-built airplane and performed a preflight inspection that revealed no anomalies. After departure, the elevator control became momentarily jammed in the nose-down position multiple times, and the pilot elected to return to the departure airport. After two go-around maneuvers due to elevator jamming, the elevator jammed again about 10 ft above the ground during the third landing attempt. The left wing impacted the ground and the airplane veered off the runway and came to rest inverted in a pond. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the elevator bracket was becoming lodged against a nylon stop block installed in the empennage. It is likely that, while in flight, once the elevator was moved far enough in the nose-down position, the airflow around the elevator forced the elevator to contact the nylon block and jam it in the nose-down position. Examination also revealed evidence of long-term control cable contact with the empennage structure and a lack of tension on the elevator and flight control cables. A mechanic completed a condition inspection, which included examination of the flight control cables and structure, the day before the accident. Based on all available information, it is likely that this inspection was inadequate because it failed to identify and correct the flight control anomalies that ultimately resulted in the accident.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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