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NTSB Report
April 28, 1989 · Boeing A75N1 · N57946
New Smyrna Bch., FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 28, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Smyrna Bch., FL
Aircraft
Boeing A75N1
Tail Number
N57946
Operator
Doan Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA141
SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE, THE AIRPLANE RETURNED TO LAND BECAUSE THE TAIL HOOK WAS NOT ATTACHED. AFTER A NORMAL APCH & THREE POINT LNDG WITH A 20 DEGREE LEFT CROSSWIND AT 10 KTS, THE AIRPLANE WEATHER VANED. THE PLT APPLIED FULL RT RUDDER, UP ELEVATOR, & LEFT AILERON CONTROL AS THE WING WAS RAISED BY THE WIND. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TURN. THE UPPER & LOWER RT WINGS WERE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE RUDDER STOPS WERE REMOVED WHICH ALLOWED THE RUDDER TO CONTACT THE ELEVATOR RENDERING IT INOPERABLE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY PREFLIGHT THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE THE BRAKES TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND POOR INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE, THE AIRPLANE RETURNED TO LAND BECAUSE THE TAIL HOOK WAS NOT ATTACHED. AFTER A NORMAL APCH & THREE POINT LNDG WITH A 20 DEGREE LEFT CROSSWIND AT 10 KTS, THE AIRPLANE WEATHER VANED. THE PLT APPLIED FULL RT RUDDER, UP ELEVATOR, & LEFT AILERON CONTROL AS THE WING WAS RAISED BY THE WIND. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TURN. THE UPPER & LOWER RT WINGS WERE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE RUDDER STOPS WERE REMOVED WHICH ALLOWED THE RUDDER TO CONTACT THE ELEVATOR RENDERING IT INOPERABLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportNe Smyrna Beach Muni. (0nm N)
Runway29
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBoeing A75N1
Tail NumberN57946
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDoan Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-39A · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:52
Weather SourceWFAC