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NTSB Report
November 17, 1991 · Advanced Aviation Buccaneer SX B1B-503 Buccaneer · UNREG
Palmer, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Palmer, MA
Aircraft
Advanced Aviation Buccaneer SX B1B-503 Buccaneer
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
Clifford W Heaton
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92DNE01
AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT STARTED A TURN. HE HEARD SOMETHING LET GO AND THE RUDDER AND ELEVATOR JAMMED. HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE AIRPLANE AND MADE AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO TREES. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE LOWER RUDDER ATTACH PIVOT BOLT HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE AIRPLANE WAS AN ULTRALIGHT OPERATING AS AN UNREGISTERED AIRPLANE.
NTSB Probable Cause
A FAILED LOWER RUDDER ATTACH PIVOT BOLT WHICH RESULTED IN JAMMED FLIGHT CONTROLS AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO TREES.
Full Narrative
AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT STARTED A TURN. HE HEARD SOMETHING LET GO AND THE RUDDER AND ELEVATOR JAMMED. HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE AIRPLANE AND MADE AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO TREES. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE LOWER RUDDER ATTACH PIVOT BOLT HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE AIRPLANE WAS AN ULTRALIGHT OPERATING AS AN UNREGISTERED AIRPLANE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest AirportPalmer Metro (0nm ESE)
Runway4
Runway Length2475 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAdvanced Aviation Buccaneer SX B1B-503 Buccaneer
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorClifford W Heaton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 46
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind40° @ 20 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO