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NTSB Report
November 18, 1988 · Beech A35 · N8697A
Shirley, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Shirley, NY
Aircraft
Beech A35
Tail Number
N8697A
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC89FA033
THE ACFT MADE A STEEP CLIMB ON TAKEOFF, TURNED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT, AND SPIRALED TO THE GROUND. THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE WAS FOUND SEPARATED UNDER THE FUEL TANK. THE CABLE STRANDS IN THE AREA OF THE SEPARATION WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CORROSION COMPLETELY CONSUMED MANY OF THE WIRES. ONLY A FEW RECOGNIZABLE FRACTURES WERE FOUND ON THE WIRES AND THESE FRACTURES APPEARED TYPICAL OF OVER STRESS SEPARATIONS. THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ACFT WAS PERFORMED 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO THE FAILURE (SEPARATION) OF THE RIGHT RUDDER CONTROL CABLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS IMPROPER INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CABLE.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT MADE A STEEP CLIMB ON TAKEOFF, TURNED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT, AND SPIRALED TO THE GROUND. THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE WAS FOUND SEPARATED UNDER THE FUEL TANK. THE CABLE STRANDS IN THE AREA OF THE SEPARATION WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CORROSION COMPLETELY CONSUMED MANY OF THE WIRES. ONLY A FEW RECOGNIZABLE FRACTURES WERE FOUND ON THE WIRES AND THESE FRACTURES APPEARED TYPICAL OF OVER STRESS SEPARATIONS. THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ACFT WAS PERFORMED 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:46 EST
Nearest AirportBrookhaven (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length4325 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftBeech A35
Tail NumberN8697A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-185-11 · Reciprocating · 185
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 49 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind300° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:00
Weather SourceWFAC