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April 20, 1985 · Wheat Pitts S-1-S Pitts S-1 · N3FW
Marlette, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Marlette, MI
Aircraft
Wheat Pitts S-1-S Pitts S-1
Tail Number
N3FW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA168
100 YARDS FROM END OF RWY ON FINAL APCH PLT LOST RUDDER CONTROL. DURING LANDING ROLL AS AIRSPEED AND AILERON CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS DECREASED THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY. THE LOWER LEFT WING CONTACTED A VASI LIGHT. INSPECTION REVEALED RIGHT SIDE RUDDER CABLE FAILED APRX 2 FT FROM RUDDER ATTACH POINT. CABLE APPEARED TO BE CHAFED OR CUT THROUGH 1/2 THE CIRCUMFERENCE. REMAINING PORTION APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED FROM INSTANTANEOUS TENSILE OVERLOAD.
Full Narrative
100 YARDS FROM END OF RWY ON FINAL APCH PLT LOST RUDDER CONTROL. DURING LANDING ROLL AS AIRSPEED AND AILERON CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS DECREASED THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY. THE LOWER LEFT WING CONTACTED A VASI LIGHT. INSPECTION REVEALED RIGHT SIDE RUDDER CABLE FAILED APRX 2 FT FROM RUDDER ATTACH POINT. CABLE APPEARED TO BE CHAFED OR CUT THROUGH 1/2 THE CIRCUMFERENCE. REMAINING PORTION APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED FROM INSTANTANEOUS TENSILE OVERLOAD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest AirportMARLETTE (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWheat Pitts S-1-S Pitts S-1
Tail NumberN3FW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-B4A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC