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NTSB Report
June 18, 1983 · Piper PA-22-160 · N2801Z
Brighton, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brighton, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N2801Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83LA144
AFTER ENTERING THE LANDING PATTERN, THE PLT NOTED BINDING OF THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM. REPORTEDLY THE AILERON CONTROLS SEEMED TO LOCK, SO HE USED THE RUDDERS FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL & LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE PIPER AUTO CONTROL SYS (WING LEVELER) HAD BECOME ENGAGED. WITH THE WING LEVELER ENGAGED, AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF CONTROL FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO OVERCOME A GEAR SYS. THE PLT BELIEVED THAT THE WING LEVELER CONTROL, PN 751-519, VIBRATED INTO THE ENGAGED POSITION.
Full Narrative
AFTER ENTERING THE LANDING PATTERN, THE PLT NOTED BINDING OF THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM. REPORTEDLY THE AILERON CONTROLS SEEMED TO LOCK, SO HE USED THE RUDDERS FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL & LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE PIPER AUTO CONTROL SYS (WING LEVELER) HAD BECOME ENGAGED. WITH THE WING LEVELER ENGAGED, AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF CONTROL FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO OVERCOME A GEAR SYS. THE PLT BELIEVED THAT THE WING LEVELER CONTROL, PN 751-519, VIBRATED INTO THE ENGAGED POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MDT
Nearest AirportBrighton Van-Aire (1nm NNE)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN2801Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 5 kt, gusting 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO