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NTSB Report
June 26, 1989 · Douglas DC-3C · N8042X
Petersburg, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Petersburg, AK
Aircraft
Douglas DC-3C
Tail Number
N8042X
Operator
California Air Tours
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89FA122
IMMEDIATELY AFTER TKOF AT 200-300 FT AGL, A PORTION OF FABRIC SEPD FROM THE R AILERON. WHILE MANEUVERING THE ACFT THE PLT'S CONTROL WHEEL BECAME FREE, AND HE ELECTED TO DITCH USING FULL RUDDER & DIFFERENTIAL POWER. EXAM OF THE PLT'S CONTROL WHEEL AILERON CONTROL CHAIN REVEALED THAT THE CHAIN FAILED DUE TO OVERLOAD. THE RIGHT SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY A MECHANIC EMPLOYED BY THE OPERATOR AND HELD A PRIVATE PLT CERT WITH SINGLE & MULTIENGINE RATING. HE STATED THAT HE SUGGESTED TO THE PLT THAT HIS CONTROLS WERE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY, BUT THE PLT DISAGREED & PROCEEDED TO DITCH THE ACFT. EXAM OF THE RIGHT CONTROL YOKE REVEALED AILERON MOVEMENT IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT WHEN IT COULD HAVE BEEN FLOWN BACK TO THE AIRPORT USING THE RIGHT SEAT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE FAILURE & SEPARATION OF A PORTION OF THE RIGHT AILERON FABRIC, AND THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE FORCE APPLIED TO THE CONTROL WHEEL WHICH RESULTED IN OVERSTRESSING THE AILERON CONTROL CHAIN.
Full Narrative
IMMEDIATELY AFTER TKOF AT 200-300 FT AGL, A PORTION OF FABRIC SEPD FROM THE R AILERON. WHILE MANEUVERING THE ACFT THE PLT'S CONTROL WHEEL BECAME FREE, AND HE ELECTED TO DITCH USING FULL RUDDER & DIFFERENTIAL POWER. EXAM OF THE PLT'S CONTROL WHEEL AILERON CONTROL CHAIN REVEALED THAT THE CHAIN FAILED DUE TO OVERLOAD. THE RIGHT SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY A MECHANIC EMPLOYED BY THE OPERATOR AND HELD A PRIVATE PLT CERT WITH SINGLE & MULTIENGINE RATING. HE STATED THAT HE SUGGESTED TO THE PLT THAT HIS CONTROLS WERE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY, BUT THE PLT DISAGREED & PROCEEDED TO DITCH THE ACFT. EXAM OF THE RIGHT CONTROL YOKE REVEALED AILERON MOVEMENT IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 AKDT
Nearest AirportPetersburg (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDouglas DC-3C
Tail NumberN8042X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCalifornia Air Tours
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1830-94 · Reciprocating · 1350
Seats33
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 8 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingOvercast 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC