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NTSB Report
July 4, 2012 · Piper PA-12 · N2870M
Stevensville, MT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Stevensville, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N2870M
Operator
Johnson James F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA293
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped, which resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed, which disconnected the cable from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.
NTSB Probable Cause
The separation of the left rudder control cable from the rudder bellcrank, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped which resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed, which allowed the cable to become disconnected from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:10 MDT
Nearest AirportStevensville Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN2870M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohnson James F
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 27 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC