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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 14, 2000 · Aeronca 65-CA · N33783

Liberty Hill, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Liberty Hill, TX
Aircraft
Aeronca 65-CA
Tail Number
N33783
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW00LA230

During cruise flight, the pilot felt a bump and the airplane began a level turn to the left. He applied right rudder; however, the airplane continued to turn left. The pilot further reported that the airplane went under some wires prior to impacting trees. Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls; however, the tab where the left rudder cable attaches to the torque tube arm for the left rudder pedal was found damaged. The torque tube arm was located just inside of where the pilot's right foot would rest. The pilot stated that he "placed his right foot on the [left rudder] torque tube arm and not on the right rudder. This caused the start of the left yaw. I then pushed hard on the torque tube arm and this caused the [airplane] to flat spin to the left, spin recovery did not occur because I was holding the left rudder all the way to the ground."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadvertent activation of the left rudder control, which resulted in a loss of control while in cruise flight.

Full Narrative

On August 13, 2000, at 1930 central daylight time, an Aeronca 65-CA single-engine airplane, N33783, was substantially damaged during impact with trees and terrain following a loss of control in cruise flight near Liberty Hill, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from Sunrise Beach Village, Texas, at 1830. The pilot reported to FAA inspectors, who responded to the accident site, that during cruise flight, he felt a bump and the airplane began a level turn to the left. He applied right rudder; however, the airplane continued to turn left. The pilot further reported that the airplane went under some wires prior to impacting trees. A witness reported to the FAA inspectors that he observed two airplanes flying toward him at about 300-500 feet agl. The airplane on the left side made a "sudden flat left turn" and descended from view behind some trees. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the left wing tip was damaged, and the right main landing gear was folded under the fuselage. The right wing's spars were damaged, and the pilot's seat structure was torn loose. Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls; however, the tab where the left rudder cable attaches to the torque tube arm for the left rudder pedal was found damaged. The torque tube arm was located just inside of where the pilot's right foot would rest. The pilot stated that he "placed his right foot on the [left rudder] torque tube arm and not on the right rudder. This caused the start of the left yaw. I then pushed hard on the torque tube arm and this caused the [airplane] to flat spin to the left, spin recovery did not occur because I was holding the left rudder all the way to the ground."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 65-CA
Tail NumberN33783
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data