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December 4, 2004 · Fairchild-Heliporter Pilatus PC6/B2-H2 · N7391U

Cross Keys, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
December 4, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (9 uninjured)
Location
Cross Keys, NJ
Aircraft
Fairchild-Heliporter Pilatus PC6/B2-H2
Tail Number
N7391U
Operator
Freefall Adventures
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
NYC05IA029

About 5 minutes after takeoff, the left elevator partially separated, and fluttered for about 15-20 seconds. During that time, the pilot had difficulty controlling the airplane. The left elevator then completely separated, and the pilot regained control of the airplane. After regaining control, the pilot performed an uneventful landing. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left elevator separated about the mid-point of the horizontal stabilizer. The left elevator was attached to a bellcrank, secured by two 3/8-inch bolts. The bolts and elevator were not recovered.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total failure of the left elevator attachment point for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On December 4, 2004, about 1145 eastern standard time, a Fairchild-Heliporter Pilatus PC6/B2-H2, N7391U, sustained minor damage during climb from Cross Keys Airport (17N), Cross Keys, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and eight passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local commercial skydive flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the airplane departed on runway 27, with eight skydivers. About 5 minutes after takeoff, the left elevator partially separated, and fluttered for about 15-20 seconds. During that time, the pilot had difficulty controlling the airplane. The left elevator then completely separated, and the pilot regained control of the airplane. The pilot flew over the airport, and instructed the skydivers to jump. After the skydivers were out of the airplane, the pilot performed an uneventful landing on runway 27. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the left elevator separated about the mid-point of the horizontal stabilizer. The left elevator was attached to a bellcrank, secured by two 3/8-inch bolts. The bolts and elevator were not recovered. The airplane had been operated about 20 hours since its last 100-hour inspection, which was completed on October 8, 2004. A review of the FAA Service Difficulty Report database did not reveal any prior similar events with the make and model airplane. However, after the incident, the pilot filed a Service Difficulty Report.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time11:45 EST
Nearest AirportCross Keys Airport (3nm)
Runway27
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFairchild-Heliporter Pilatus PC6/B2-H2
Tail NumberN7391U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorFreefall Adventures
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-27 · Turboprop · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (9 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured9
Total9
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data