Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 18 near Livermore, CA — 2019-11-16

Final reportWPR20LA026
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Date
2019-11-16
Location
Livermore, CA, USA
Airport
LVK
Aircraft
Piper PA 18
Registration
N8589D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The improper installation of the flight control stick, which resulted in separation of the flight control stick from the stick stub assembly and an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

During a banner tow flight, the pilot successfully picked up the banner then pulled the flight control stick back to gain altitude. The flight control stick separated from the stick hub assembly at the floor and the airplane made an uncontrolled descent to the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the hardware that secured the flight control stick to the stick hub assembly was connected to the flight control stick but was not attached through the mounting holes on the stick hub assembly. Given the wear marks on the stick stub assembly, it is likely that the control stick was in this position for some time and was not properly installed during prior maintenance; however, the airplane’s maintenance logbook did not specify when the control stick was last removed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Properly securing the control stick during maintenance could have prevented the failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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