Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-36-300 near Americus, GA — 2012-02-25

Final reportERA12LA195
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Date
2012-02-25
Location
Americus, GA, USA
Airport
ACJ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-36-300
Registration
N59661
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure a portion of the right wing leading edge, which resulted in the separation of the associated section of the leading edge during takeoff and the loss of directional control during the subsequent landing.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was being operated on a maintenance test flight after the installation of some aerial spray equipment. At an altitude of about 75 feet above ground level, the airplane pulled abruptly to the right. Using the maximum available engine power and left rudder, the pilot maintained control of the airplane and landed on the closest runway. However, after touchdown, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and crossed a taxiway and a ditch before coming to rest about 300 feet from the runway. Postaccident examination revealed that the midspan section of the right wing's leading edge had separated, several screws were absent, and the remaining screws exhibited signs of inconsistent torque.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Proper maintenance checks on wing leading edge screws could have prevented failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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