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NTSB Report
September 24, 1992 · Grumman AA-1A · N6445L
Bedford, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Bedford, MA
Aircraft
Grumman AA-1A
Tail Number
N6445L
Operator
Martill
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO92LA143
THE PILOT WAS ON TAKEOFF AND HE HAD JUST LIFTED OFF WHEN HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED RIGHT AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ABRUPTLY LOST RUDDER AUTHORITY. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. A 10 KNOT QUARTERING TAILWIND EXISTED DURING THE TAKEOFF. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE RUDDER CABLE SEPARATED AT THE FUSELAGE PULLEY. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED EXTENSIVE FATIGUE CRACKING IN THE INDIVIDUAL WIRES. A REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS REVEALED AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 72-06-02 REQUIRED RECURRENT INSPECTION OF THE RUDDER CABLE EVERY 100 HOURS. A REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWS COMPLIANCE WITH THE AD AT THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE AIRPLANE WAS OPERATED ABOUT 65 HOURS SINCE THE INSPECTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION WHICH FAILED TO REVEAL A DETERIORATED RUDDER CABLE WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED AND CAUSED LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ON TAKEOFF AND HE HAD JUST LIFTED OFF WHEN HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED RIGHT AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE ABRUPTLY LOST RUDDER AUTHORITY. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. A 10 KNOT QUARTERING TAILWIND EXISTED DURING THE TAKEOFF. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE RUDDER CABLE SEPARATED AT THE FUSELAGE PULLEY. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED EXTENSIVE FATIGUE CRACKING IN THE INDIVIDUAL WIRES. A REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS REVEALED AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 72-06-02 REQUIRED RECURRENT INSPECTION OF THE RUDDER CABLE EVERY 100 HOURS. A REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWS COMPLIANCE WITH THE AD AT THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE AIRPLANE WAS OPERATED ABOUT 65 HOURS SINCE THE INSPECTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportHanscom Field (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman AA-1A
Tail NumberN6445L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMartill
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E26 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind30° @ 10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:32
Weather SourceWFAC