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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 17, 1993 · Cessna 320 · N5711X

Mesa, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mesa, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 320
Tail Number
N5711X
Operator
John T Rooney
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA179

While approaching his original destination, the pilot lowered the landing gear and immediately experienced a jammed rudder control system. The pilot said that retracting the landing gear resolved the control problem. The pilot elected to return to Mesa where crash fire rescue equipment was available. While orbiting the airport, another aircraft confirmed that the nose landing gear was cocked about 90 degrees to the right. The pilot declared an emergency and landed. As the nose wheel touched the runway, the aircraft ground looped to the right, collapsing the nose and right main landing gear. The aircraft was examined by an FAA airframe and power plant mechanic. According to his report, the right hand steering spring was found separated from the steering yoke. The pin, washer and cotter pin which attach the steering spring to the yoke assembly was not located. According to the maintenance records, the nose landing gear assembly was replaced in October 1991, about 200 flight hours prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the separation of the steering spring from the steering yoke assembly due to inadequate installation. A factor in the accident was inadequate maintenance on the aircraft.

Full Narrative

On April 17, 1993, at about 1235 hours MST, a Cessna 320, N5711X, ground looped on landing and collapsed the nose and right main landing gear at Mesa, Arizona. The aircraft was owned and operated by John T. Rooney of Mesa, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. Neither the certificated commercial pilot nor his one passenger were injured. The flight originated at Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona, on the day of the mishap at about 1130 hours as a planned flight to Payson, Arizona. The pilot was interviewed by telephone on April 21, 1993. He stated that after arriving in the Payson area, he extended the landing gear and immediately experienced a jammed rudder control system. The pilot said he retracted the landing gear and the problem went away. Instead of completing the planned landing at Payson, the pilot said that he returned to Mesa where crash fire rescue equipment was available. After arrival in the Mesa area, another aircraft came up and examined the aircraft. The pilot of the other aircraft, N4572A, reported that the nose landing gear was cocked 90 degrees to the right. The pilot declared an emergency and landed on runway 4R at Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona. When the nose landing gear touched down, the aircraft ground looped to the right and collapsed the nose and right main landing gear. The aircraft was examined by an FAA airframe and power plant mechanic. According to his report of the examination, the right hand steering spring was found separated from the steering yoke and laying along the right side of the nose gear well. The left side steering spring was intact and attached to the steering yoke assembly. The pin, washer and cotter pin which attach the right hand steering spring to the yoke assembly was not located. The mechanic noted that he found no evidence of impact damage to the yoke or spring. Review of the aircraft maintenance records revealed that the nose gear assembly was replaced in October of 1991, about 200 hours prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:35 MST
Nearest AirportMesa Falcon Field (0nm)
Runway4R
Runway Length5100 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 320
Tail NumberN5711X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn T Rooney
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-470B · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data