Pilot Debrief

FUNK B85C near Leonard, OK — 2015-03-06

Final reportCEN15CA166
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Date
2015-03-06
Location
Leonard, OK, USA
Aircraft
FUNK B85C
Registration
N81194
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The improper installation of the UP elevator cable turnbuckle which became disconnected during the flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was flying about 700 feet above the ground in cruise flight when he felt the control stick "pop" and the nose of the airplane pitch down. The pilot pulled back the throttle and turned off the magnetos. The passenger adjusted the elevator trim; however, the pitch attitude did not change. The pilot then entered a side slip which brought the nose up to level. He straightened the nose of the airplane just prior to it impacting the terrain. The airplane subsequently flipped inverted resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the UP elevator turnbuckle became detached at the elevator torque tube. The turnbuckle was not safety wired. New cables were installed in the airplane in 2007 and the turnbuckle most likely loosened over time.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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