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NTSB Report

March 4, 1998 · Cessna 188B · N53382

Houston, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 4, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, MS
Aircraft
Cessna 188B
Tail Number
N53382
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA092

The pilot stated he was at an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet when he made an aileron input, which was hard enough to cause fluid in the hopper tank to 'slosh' around. The airplane shuddered as if in a stall. He moved the control stick forward to increase airspeed, and the shutter continued. The airplane started to turn to the left. The pilot applied right aileron and rudder, then he visually checked the ailerons and observed that both were in the up position. He reduced power, and the left wing dropped. The pilot increased power and applied rudder to maintain aircraft control. The airplane continued in a slight left turn. While making a forced landing in an open field, the pilot reduced power, and the left wing dropped and collided with the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left aileron control rod end fitting had become disconnected at the adjustment jam nut. The rod end had lost its flexibility, because of rust (corrosion), due to lack of attention and/or lubrication.

NTSB Probable Cause

corrosion and subsequent disconnect of the left aileron control rod end fitting, which resulted in a loss of aileron (roll) control, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was: improper lubrication of the control rod.

Full Narrative

On March 4, 1998, about 1335 central standard time, a Cessna 188B, N53382, registered to Kimmel Aviation, crashed near Houston, Mississippi, while making an emergency landing following a reported in-flight control system malfunction, while on a 14 CFR part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated about 10 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was about 150 to 200 feet when he made an aileron input which was hard enough for the water in the hopper tank to "slosh" around. The airplane shuddered as if in a stall. The pilot moved the control stick forward to increase airspeed and the shutter continued. The airplane started to turn to the left. He applied right aileron and rudder, looked outside and observed both ailerons in the up position. He reduced power and the left wing dropped. He increased power and applied rudder to maintain aircraft control. The airplane continued in a slight left turn. While making a forced landing in an open field he reduced power, the left wing dropped and collided with the ground. According to the FAA Inspector's statement, when he examined the wreckage he found the "left aileron control rod end fitting broken...at the adjustment jam nut." He further stated that the rod end "had lost its flexibility, because of rust (corrosion)." The FAA Inspector wrote in his statement, "...when the rod end fitting broke the pilot lost control of the aircraft...[and] this accident occurred due to lack of attention and or lubrication of moving parts."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:35 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188B
Tail NumberN53382
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data