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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 13, 1995 · Cessna 305A · N5204G

Warren, VT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Warren, VT
Aircraft
Cessna 305A
Tail Number
N5204G
Operator
Sugarbush Soaring Assoc
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC95LA161

THE PILOT WAS RETURNING THE AIRPLANE TO THE AIRPORT, AFTER TOWING A GLIDER. IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, THE ELEVATOR CONTROL SEIZED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE DESCENT, AFTER WHICH THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED TREES. EXAMINATION REVEALED THE ELEVATOR CABLE HAD FAILED NEAR A PULLEY. THE AIRPLANE HAD LAST BEEN INSPECTED 75 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

a failed elevator cable which resulted in an inflight loss of control and uncontrolled contact with trees.

Full Narrative

On July 13, 1995, at 1530 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 305A, N5204G, struck trees while on approach to land at Warren Sugarbush Airport, Warren, Vermont. The Airline Transport rated pilot, received minor injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local glider towing flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and had departed at 1520. The airplane had been used for several flight during the day, towing gliders aloft. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated: The tow was normal and the glider released at 3,800 FT AGL. Returned to the airport, entered the traffic pattern for a landing on rw 22, the elevator control cable seized and I was unable to control the descent of the aircraft. The A/C impacted in the trees about 1/2 mile NNE of the airport. Time was about 3:30 EDT. An FAA Inspector examined the wreckage and in a report stated: The up elevator cable appeared to have broken prior to the crash and showed signs of wear. (station: 110) The elevator cable pulley may also have been binding. (station: 110) The rest of the aircraft and cables appeared to be in a well maintained condition.... After a discussion with the aircraft owner...about the inspections requirements and the difficulty of inspections in this area of the aircraft. [The owner]...contacted several other soaring associations and initiated a reinspection of all aircraft elevator cables in this area. Several aircraft were found to have evidence of elevator cable wear and corrective action has been initiated. In a telephone interview, the FAA reported that they were unable to determine if the inspection on the airplane had been inadequate due to the length of time (75 hours) between the previous inspection and the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWarren Sugarbush (1nm NE)
Runway22
Runway Length2575 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 305A
Tail NumberN5204G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSugarbush Soaring Assoc
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-11B · Reciprocating · 213
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data