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NTSB Report
July 25, 1988 · Piper PA-28-151 · N4506F
La Grange, GA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
La Grange, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-151
Tail Number
N4506F
Operator
Robert M Thompson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL88FA220
THE PIC STATED HE HAD A HARDOVER IN THE SINGLE AXIS AUTOPILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT CONSTANTLY TURNING RIGHT. THEREFORE DUE TO THE CONTINOUS BANK HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A LAKE VERSUS ON LAND. THE ACFT IMPACTED IN A LAKE LEFT OF THE PLANNED COURSE. THE ROLL SERVO WAS DESIGNED SO THAT WHEN POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE SERVO A SPRING DISENGAGED THE SERVO FROM THE AILERON BRIDLE CABLE. THE SPRING WAS FOUND FUNCTIONAL AFTER RECOVERY OF THE ACFT FROM THE LAKE. WITNESSES RPTED SEEING THE ACFT FLYING ABOUT 10-15 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE SURFACE FOR ABOUT ONE QUARTER MILE. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED A BRIDGE IT PULLED UP ABRUPTLY, STALLED, AND IMPACTED THE WATER.
Full Narrative
THE PIC STATED HE HAD A HARDOVER IN THE SINGLE AXIS AUTOPILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT CONSTANTLY TURNING RIGHT. THEREFORE DUE TO THE CONTINOUS BANK HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A LAKE VERSUS ON LAND. THE ACFT IMPACTED IN A LAKE LEFT OF THE PLANNED COURSE. THE ROLL SERVO WAS DESIGNED SO THAT WHEN POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE SERVO A SPRING DISENGAGED THE SERVO FROM THE AILERON BRIDLE CABLE. THE SPRING WAS FOUND FUNCTIONAL AFTER RECOVERY OF THE ACFT FROM THE LAKE. WITNESSES RPTED SEEING THE ACFT FLYING ABOUT 10-15 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE SURFACE FOR ABOUT ONE QUARTER MILE. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED A BRIDGE IT PULLED UP ABRUPTLY, STALLED, AND IMPACTED THE WATER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:08 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-151
Tail NumberN4506F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert M Thompson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:49
Weather SourceWFAC