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May 31, 2018 · Thrush Aircraft S2R-H80 NO Series · N6215P

Parkin, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Parkin, AR
Aircraft
Thrush Aircraft S2R-H80 NO Series (2016)
Tail Number
N6215P
Operator
Air Aids
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN18LA211

The commercial pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll for the agricultural application flight, the right rudder pedal went full forward against the material hopper and that he subsequently could not maintain directional control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway and struck a ditch. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right rudder pedal had become detached from the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism due to wear on the adjustment track. The Before Starting Engine checklist included a step to adjust and lock the rudder pedals before starting the engine; however, the condition of the rudder system indicated that the airplane had been operated with the rudder pedal forward of the final detent position and against the safety stop rather than in a locked detent position for an undetermined amount of time. The improper adjustment and locking of the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism over time likely led to the excessive wear on the rudder pedal adjustment track, the detachment of the rudder pedal, and the pilot’s subsequent inability to maintain directional control. After the accident, the airplane manufacturer released a service letter detailing the proper use, rigging, and maintenance of the rudder system, including the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper operation of the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism for an undetermined period of time, which led to the failure of the rudder pedal adjustment track, the detachment of the rudder pedal, and the pilot’s subsequent inability to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On May 31, 2018, about 1115 central daylight time, a Thrush Aircraft S2R-H80, N6215P, received substantial damage during a runway excursion during takeoff on runway 18 from a private airstrip near Parkin, Arkansas. The pilot was not injured. The aircraft was registered to Mid Continent Aircraft Corp and operated by Air Aids, Inc., under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the right rudder pedal went all the way forward. Since the airplane was equipped with toe-brakes, once the pedal was all the way forward against the material hopper, he had no way to maintain directional control of the airplane. The pilot attempted to stop the airplane using reverse pitch on the propeller, but the airplane went off the east side of the runway and struck a ditch. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism consisted of a track that allowed the rudder pedal shaft to move fore and aft, with a detent pin that engaged holes in the track. The track was equipped with a safety stop bolt to prevent the rudder pedal shaft from travelling too far forward and exiting the end of the track. The track assembly for both the left and right rudder pedal showed wear on the track and the stop bolt installed forward of the most forward detent position. The right adjustment track had a semi-circular section worn completely through that matched the shape of the rudder shaft. This was consistent with the rudder shaft being stopped by the stop bolt rather than being locked in the forward detent position. Determination of how long the rudder system had been used in this manner could not be determined. The "Before Starting Engines" checklist current at the time of the accident contained the instruction "Rudder Pedals – ADJUST and LOCK". Review of the airplane maintenance records showed that the airplane had accumulated 991 hours time in service as of its most recent annual inspection dated December 29, 2017. The airplane manufacturer released a Service Letter, SL-AG-126, on June 11, 2018, entitled "Rudder Pedal Mechanism Inspection", detailing proper use, rigging, and maintenance of the rudder system, including the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway180
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftThrush Aircraft S2R-H80 NO Series
Tail NumberN6215P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Aids
Operating RulePart 137
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGe Aviation Czech · H80-100 · Turboprop · 800
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 16 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data