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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

August 11, 1993 · Beech F35 · N5064B

Mena, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mena, AR
Aircraft
Beech F35
Tail Number
N5064B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW93LA236

A SEVERE VIBRATION DEVELOPED AS THE OUTER PORTION OF THE RIGHT RUDDERVATOR AND THE COUNTER WEIGHT FOR THE LEFT RUDDERVATOR SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME ON THE DOWNWIND LEG AT AN ESTIMATED 155 MPH. TURBULENCE WAS NOT ENCOUNTERED AT ANY TIME DURING THE DESCENT OR THE APPROACH. THE PILOT CLOSED THE THROTTLE AND EXTENDED THE LANDING IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN THE AIRPLANE. AN UNEVENTFUL LANDING WAS MADE AT THE INTENDED AIRPORT. EXAMINATION OF THE RUDDERVATORS REVEALED THAT BOTH RUDDERVATORS WERE OUT OF BALANCE DUE TO A COMBINATION OF UNAUTHORIZED SHEET METAL REPAIRS, IMPROPER PAINT APPLICATION TECHNIQUES, AND THE USE OF A LOCALLY MANUFACTURED COUNTER WEIGHT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE INFLIGHT SEPARATION OF THE RUDDERVATOR AS RESULT OF IMPROPER BALANCING.

Full Narrative

On August 10, 1993, at 1900 central daylight time, a Beech F35, N5064B, was substantially damaged during descent near Mena, Arkansas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. In a prepared written document and during a telephone interview, the pilot stated he initiated his descent from 4,500 feet, increasing his indicated airspeed to 180 mph. After announcing his position in the downwind leg at the Intermountain Airport at Mena, Arkansas, while at 155 mph, a severe vibration developed throughout the airframe. The pilot further stated that he closed the throttle and extended the landing gear in a attempt to slow down the airplane. The oscillations and vibration decreased as his airspeed decreased, and a normal landing was executed. No turbulence was encountered at any time during the descent or the approach. Examination of the airplane on the ramp revealed that the outer portion of the right ruddervator outboard of the center hinge, and the counter weight for the left ruddervator had separated from the airframe in flight. Substantial twisting, buckling, and skin tearing were also found in the aft section of the empennage. Both ruddervators (p/n 35-660040-607 and 608 respectively) were removed from the airplane and shipped to the manufacturer's lab for further evaluation and testing. All parts that separated from the airplane in flight were recovered, with the exception of the counter weight for the left ruddervator. A detailed examination and inspection was conducted by Beech engineers. The investigation concluded that both ruddervators were out of balance due to a combination of unauthorized sheet metal repairs, improper paint application techniques, and the use of a locally manufactured counter weight. A copy of the their examination report is enclosed in this report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech F35
Tail NumberN5064B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-225-8 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data