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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 7, 2003 · Cessna 180D · N6445X

Greenville, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Greenville, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 180D
Tail Number
N6445X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA196

The private pilot was receiving a refresher course in seaplane flying. While conducting the fifth takeoff of the day, with the private pilot at the controls, the private pilot observed that he had no aileron control as the airplane lifted off from the lake. After the flight instructor assumed the controls, the airplane rolled to the right, impacted the water, and sank to a depth of 60 feet. Examination of the wreckage revealed that a turnbuckle was separated from the right aileron cable. The turnbuckle was not safety-wired. The airplane had accumulated about 55 hours of operation since its last annual inspection. Examination of the airplane's engine maintenance logs revealed an entry that stated, "Removed and replaced left and right aileron control cables, 0752015-22. Replace aileron carry thru cable, 0510105-12, IAW Chapter 6-6-18 A,B,C. Rigged IAW par 6-20 A, thru I." The entry was signed and acknowledged, "I certify this Aircraft has been inspected I/A/W an annual inspection and determined to be in an airworthy condition."

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate installation and inspection of an aileron cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of control in-flight and subsequent collision with water.

Full Narrative

On September 7, 2003, at 1028 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180D amphibian, N6445X, was substantially damaged while departing from Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine. The certificated flight instructor and private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he was providing the private pilot a refresher course in seaplane flying. While conducting the fifth takeoff of the day, with the private pilot at the controls, the private pilot observed that he had no aileron control as the airplane lifted off from the lake. After the flight instructor assumed the controls, the airplane rolled to the right, impacted the water, and sank to a depth of 60 feet. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage after the accident. He observed substantial damage to the left and right wings, and the fuselage. The inspector also observed that a turnbuckle was separated from the right aileron cable. The turnbuckle was not safety-wired. The airplane had accumulated about 55 hours of operation since it's last annual inspection. Examination of the airplane's engine maintenance logs revealed an entry that stated, "Removed and replaced left and right aileron control cables, 0752015-22. Replace aileron carry thru cable, 0510105-12, IAW Chapter 6-6-18 A,B,C. Rigged IAW par 6-20 A, thru I." The entry was signed and acknowledged, "I certify this Aircraft has been inspected I/A/W an annual inspection and determined to be in an airworthy condition."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:28 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180D
Tail NumberN6445X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 52 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 50
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data