Pilot Debrief

Rockwell S2R near Harlan, IA — 2020-07-20

Final reportCEN20LA294
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Date
2020-07-20
Location
Harlan, IA, USA
Aircraft
Rockwell S2R
Registration
N1662S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The fatigue fracture of the upper rudder hinge that resulted in a partial separation of the rudder from the airplane during a spray pass.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the aerial application flight was spraying a field when the top portion of the rudder partially separated from the airplane. The airplane yawed abruptly left and remained in an uncontrollable left yaw for about 10 to 15 minutes, at times pitching uncontrollably downward until the broken portion of the rudder separated. The airplane landed without further incident. Postaccident metallurgical examination of the upper rudder hinge revealed a fatigue fracture.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected rudder for corrosion before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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