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NTSB Report
May 6, 1992 · Gillespie/Pitts S1C · N71309
Freeland, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Freeland, MI
Aircraft
Gillespie/Pitts S1C
Tail Number
N71309
Operator
Dean C Vanzwoll
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92DEM02
THE PILOT OF A TAIL WHEEL CONFIGURED AEROBATIC AIRPLANE HAD TOUCHED DOWN ON LANDING AND DISCOVERED THE AIRPLANE DID NOT HAVE RIGHT RUDDER PEDAL CONTROL. THE PILOT STATED HE TOOK OFF TO TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. DURING THE INFLIGHT INVESTIGATION HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE HAD SEPARATED WHERE THE CABLE RUNS THROUGH THE COCKPIT NEAR THE RIGHT SIDEWALL. THE PILOT MADE A CABLE REPAIR SO IT WOULD ALLOW BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT LANDING THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT AS DIRECTIONALLY CONTROLLABLE AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. AS THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO DECELERATE IT BEGAN AN UNCONTROLLABLE SWERVE WHICH RESULTED IN A LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE.
NTSB Probable Cause
A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE RUDDER CONTROL CABLE AND UNAVAILABILITY OF RUDDER TO CONTROL THE AIRPLANE DURING ITS LANDING PROCESS. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND REMEDIAL ACTION NOT BEING POSSIBLE ON BEHALF OF THE PILOT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF A TAIL WHEEL CONFIGURED AEROBATIC AIRPLANE HAD TOUCHED DOWN ON LANDING AND DISCOVERED THE AIRPLANE DID NOT HAVE RIGHT RUDDER PEDAL CONTROL. THE PILOT STATED HE TOOK OFF TO TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. DURING THE INFLIGHT INVESTIGATION HE DISCOVERED THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE HAD SEPARATED WHERE THE CABLE RUNS THROUGH THE COCKPIT NEAR THE RIGHT SIDEWALL. THE PILOT MADE A CABLE REPAIR SO IT WOULD ALLOW BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT LANDING THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT AS DIRECTIONALLY CONTROLLABLE AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. AS THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO DECELERATE IT BEGAN AN UNCONTROLLABLE SWERVE WHICH RESULTED IN A LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 EDT
Nearest AirportTri Cities Int'L (1nm NNW)
Runway5
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGillespie/Pitts S1C
Tail NumberN71309
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDean C Vanzwoll
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 13 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC