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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 14, 2019 · Piper PA18 150 · N6983B

Osceola, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Osceola, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA18 150 (1956)
Tail Number
N6983B
Operator
Red Wing Soaring Association
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19LA224

Upon takeoff, the pilot heard a “bang” and could not control the airplane. The pilot was able to get the wings level before the airplane hit the ground. The airplane bounced, went through a ditch, and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage. Examination of the airplane revealed a broken attachment fitting of the right horizontal stabilizer. The fabric covering was removed from the right and left stabilizers. The attachment corner of the right stabilizer frame was fractured. Pitting, multiple broken welds, and corrosion were found around the fracture. The right stabilizer frame had been fabricated and was not a Federal Aviation Adminstration/parts manufacturer approval-approved part. Maintenance records revealed that the stabilizer assembly had been removed for inspection, refurbished, and replaced multiple times. The most recent maintenance was performed about 4 months prior to the accident, when an annual inspection was completed and new sleeves for the forward attachment points were fabricated and installed on the stabilizer assembly.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the right horizontal stabilizer during takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved stabilizer frame and failure of maintenance personnel to identify deterioration of the stabilizer during routine maintenance.

Full Narrative

On July 14, 2019, about 1315 central daylight time, a Piper PA18-150, N6963B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Osceola, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot was not injured. The glider towing flight was conducted under the provisions Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot reported that he had three non-eventful glider tows prior to the accident flight. On the fourth glider tow of the day, the pilot added full power for takeoff and became airborne at 55 mph indicated airspeed. About 5 to 15 feet off the ground, the pilot heard a sudden '"bang," and the nose of the airplane pitched up about 40ºand rolled right about 45º. The aircraft seemed uncontrollable with rudder. The pilot was able to get the wings level before the airplane hit the ground hard. The pilot reduced the power to idle and applied brakes. The airplane skidded between two electric poles, bounced onto a road, went through a ditch, and came to rest inverted. The empennage sustained substantial damage. The glider being towed had released the tow rope and landed uneventfully nearby. Examination of the airplane revealed a broken attachment fitting of the right horizontal stabilizer. The Ceconite fabric covering was removed from the right and left stabilizers. The attachment corner of the right stabilizer frame was fractured. Pitting, multiple broken welds, and corrosion were found around the fracture. The right stabilizer frame had been fabricated and was not a Federal Aviation Adminstration/parts manufacturer approval-approved part. Review of maintenance records revealed that the stabilizer assembly had been removed for inspection, refurbished, and replaced multiple times. The most recent maintenance was performed on March 1, 2019, when an annual inspection was completed and new sleeves for the forward attachment points were fabricated and installed on the stabilizer assembly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CDT
Nearest AirportL O Simenstad Muni (0nm WNW)
Runway10
Runway Length2100 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 150
Tail NumberN6983B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRed Wing Soaring Association
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3800 ft
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time18:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data