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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 10, 2001 · Zacharius Acroduster I · N6614R

Conroe, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Conroe, TX
Aircraft
Zacharius Acroduster I
Tail Number
N6614R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW01LA181

The pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers when the airplane's right rudder cable separated. He flew the airplane to an open field, and while at 4,300 feet msl, exited the airplane. Once clear of the airplane, he deployed his parachute. He stated that he observed the airplane enter a descent, and subsequently, impact trees. The pilot landed on a dirt road without further incident. There were no reported ground injuries. Review of photographs taken at the accident site revealed that the rudder control cables displayed extensive corrosion. In addition to the total separation of the right rudder cable as a result of corrosion, other segments of the cable displayed separation of some cable strands. Review of the aircraft's maintenance records revealed that the aircraft underwent its last condition inspection on May 12, 2001, at an aircraft total time of 540.96 hours. The condition inspection was the last entry in the aircraft logbook and it read in part, "inspected and lubed control and cables." At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated approximately 18 hours since the last condition inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

the mechanic's inadequate inspection which resulted in the undetected corroded rudder cable and its subsequent failure during aerobatic maneuvers.

Full Narrative

On August 10, 2001, at 1315 central daylight time, a Zacharius Acroduster I experimental, amateur built airplane, N6614R, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent after the pilot parachuted from the airplane near Conroe, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal aerobatic flight. The local flight originated from the Montgomery County Airport, Conroe, Texas. According to the pilot, he was performing aerobatic maneuvers when the airplane's right rudder cable separated. He flew the airplane to an open field located 7 miles north of Conroe, and while at 4,300 feet msl, exited the airplane. Once clear of the airplane, he deployed his parachute. He stated that he observed the airplane enter a descent, and subsequently, impact trees. The pilot landed on a dirt road without further incident. There were no reported ground injuries. According to the FAA inspectors, who responded to the accident site, the airplane's structure sustained substantial damage. Review of photographs taken at the accident site revealed that the rudder control cables displayed severe corrosion. In addition to the total separation of the right rudder cable as a result of corrosion, the other segments of the cable displayed separation of some cable strands. Review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that the aircraft underwent its last condition inspection on May 12, 2001, at an aircraft total time of 540.96 hours. The condition inspection was the last entry in the aircraft logbook and it read in part, "inspected and lubed control and cables." At the time of the accident the aircraft had accumulated 558.3 total flight hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftZacharius Acroduster I
Tail NumberN6614R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data