Pilot Debrief

HENDRYX STEVE/WILEY ROSS SUPER REBEL near La Porte City, IA — 2011-08-21

Final reportCEN11LA588
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Date
2011-08-21
Location
La Porte City, IA, USA
Aircraft
HENDRYX STEVE/WILEY ROSS SUPER REBEL
Registration
N540AF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The improper assembly of the aileron cable by the airplane builder.

NTSB narrative

The accident flight was the third flight into the Phase 1 flight test program. While maneuvering the airplane at 2,500 feet above ground level through a series of turns, the pilot noticed the control stick force increase, and then he heard a bang. Following the bang, the pilot had no aileron control authority. The pilot maintained some control through rudder inputs and executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination revealed one of the aileron cable swages failed due to an improper crimp by the airplane builder.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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