Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 18-150 near Cozad, NE — 2016-05-24

Final reportCEN16LA193
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Date
2016-05-24
Location
Cozad, NE, USA
Airport
2NE5
Aircraft
PIPER PA 18-150
Registration
N4234Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting an aerial application flight about 25 ft above ground level when the airplane suddenly made an uncommanded descent and impacted a wheat field. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained damage to both wings, wing struts, fuselage, and tail surfaces. Although the pilot noted some discrepancies with the airplane after it was rebuilt, examination of the wreckage, including the horizontal jackscrew assembly, did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have addressed jackscrew assembly issues before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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