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NTSB Report
June 4, 1990 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4720A
Douglas, WY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Douglas, WY
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4720A
Operator
Norman Ranch
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN90LA123
THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN COMPLETELY RECOVERED WITH NEW FABRIC AND THE PILOT WAS GOING TO FERRY IT BACK TO HIS RANCH. WITNESSES SAID THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM A PREFLIGHT CHECK. THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF, CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF 15 TO 30 FEET, THEN BANKED STEEPLY TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED. EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM DISCLOSED THE AILERON CONTROL CABLES HAD BEEN INADVERTENTLY CROSSED DURING REASSEMBLY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE ACCIDENT TO BE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL, AND FAILURE TO PERFORM AN AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN COMPLETELY RECOVERED WITH NEW FABRIC AND THE PILOT WAS GOING TO FERRY IT BACK TO HIS RANCH. WITNESSES SAID THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM A PREFLIGHT CHECK. THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF, CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF 15 TO 30 FEET, THEN BANKED STEEPLY TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED. EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM DISCLOSED THE AILERON CONTROL CABLES HAD BEEN INADVERTENTLY CROSSED DURING REASSEMBLY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MDT
Nearest AirportConverse County (0nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length6750 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4720A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorman Ranch
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 32 kt, gusting 37 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC