Pilot Debrief

XTREMEAIR GMBH SBACH 342 near Springerville, AZ — 2011-04-04

Final reportWPR11CA197
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Date
2011-04-04
Location
Springerville, AZ, USA
Airport
D68
Aircraft
XTREMEAIR GMBH SBACH 342
Registration
N142WP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly secure loose objects in the cockpit area which resulted in a personal locator beacon becoming lodged in the elevator control torque tubes, restricting flight control movement.

NTSB narrative

While descending from 10,500 feet to 8,500 feet on approach to the airport, the airplane encountered light turbulence and the pilot heard a noise emanating from the rear seat. The pilot immediately realized that the pitch control had become jammed and the range of available movement was minimal. He manipulated the trim to control the nose-down position, and continued the flight to the airport (the closest airport to his position). Upon crossing the threshold for landing, he reduced the power and the airplane touched down, bouncing twice before ground looping and coming to rest off the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the pilot's personal location beacon (PLB) had become lodged in the bellcrank for the elevator torque tube. Once the PLB was removed, the elevator moved freely.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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