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NTSB Report

October 15, 2015 · Comp Air Inc Plambeck CA8 · N224MS

Ray, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Ray, MI
Aircraft
Comp Air Inc Plambeck CA8
Tail Number
N224MS
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA017

The private pilot reported that, while on a left downwind in the airport traffic pattern after conducting a cross-country business flight, he extended the flaps 10 degrees. While on short final, he fully extended the flaps, and shortly after, the left wing dropped. The pilot attempted to correct the left wing drop by applying right aileron and rudder; however, the airplane did not respond. The pilot chose to conduct a go-around and increased engine power. The airplane subsequently pitched up, and the left turn steepened. The pilot subsequently reduced engine power, and the airplane began to descend. The airplane struck the ground short of the runway, and the left wing separated from the fuselage. The examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the trim system revealed that the right aileron trim and the left rudder trim were in positions that would have resulted in a right turn and a left yaw. Further, a witness reported that the airplane appeared to be in a cross-controlled attitude while on final approach to the airport. It is likely that the pilot's improper use of the trim led to a cross-controlled situation and resulted in the subsequent stall during the attempted go-around.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of the trim, which created a cross-controlled situation and resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the attempted go-around.

Full Narrative

On October 15, 2015, about 1810 eastern daylight time, a Comp Air Inc. (Plambeck) CA8 experimental airplane, N224MS, was substantially damaged while landing at Ray Community Airport (57D), Ray, Michigan. The private pilot had minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The business flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The cross country flight departed Anniston Regional Airport (KANB), Anniston, Alabama, about 1315 central daylight time and was en route to 57D. The pilot stated that while on a left downwind in the airport traffic pattern for runway 27, he extended 10 degrees of flaps. He completed a left base and extended full flaps while on a short final. Shortly after extending full flaps the left wing dropped. The pilot attempted to correct the left wing drop with right aileron and rudder; however, the airplane did not respond. The pilot elected to go around and increased engine power. The airplane pitched up and the left turn steepened. The pilot subsequently reduced engine power and with the resulting descent prepared for an impact with the ground. The airplane struck the ground short of the runway and the left wing separated from the fuselage. The pilot reported that the engine continued to run for about 15 minutes following the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident established that the flight controls were free and correct and the flaps were completely extended. Further review and examination of the trim system revealed that the right aileron trim and left rudder trim were in positions consistent with a right turn and a left yaw. The examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine, and remaining systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident. The inspector interviewed a flight instructor who witnessed the accident. This witness reported that the airplane appeared to be in a cross controlled attitude or a skid while on final approach to the airport. The witness confirmed that it sounded as though there were several power changes during the final approach.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 EDT
Nearest AirportRay Community Airport (1nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2495 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftComp Air Inc Plambeck CA8
Tail NumberN224MS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsWalter · M601 EXP · Turboprop · 657
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind240° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 41 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data