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June 20, 2021 · Piper PA-25-235 · N6917Z

Twisp, WA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Twisp, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235 (1964)
Tail Number
N6917Z
Operator
Evergreen Soaring
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA238

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the sixth flight of a glider tow operation, the control stick felt as though it had “some play” with regard to the ailerons. The control stick moved about four inches laterally before a corresponding movement of the ailerons could be observed. He landed the airplane, performed a flight control check and noticed a “little slack” between the control stick inputs and subsequent aileron movement. He determined that the control stick felt secure and took off on his seventh tow flight. During the climb out, the response to his control stick inputs diminished. The airplane encountered turbulence and the control stick separated from the torque tube assembly. He maintained control of the airplane by using trim, rudder control and throttle variations. The airplane subsequently landed on the grass surface to the right of the runway. During a firm landing, the airplane veered right, and the right wing collided with a berm. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading-edge of the right wing. A subsequent examination of the airplane’s flight controls, revealed that the bolt which secured the control stick to the torque tube assembly had backed out. The castellated nut and cotter pin which secured the bolt were not located.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight separation of the control stick from the torque tube assembly, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent on-ground collision.

Full Narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the sixth flight of a glider tow operation, the control stick felt as though it had “some play” with regard to the ailerons. The control stick moved about four inches laterally before a corresponding movement of the ailerons could be observed. He landed the airplane, performed a flight control check and noticed a “little slack” between the control stick inputs and subsequent aileron movement. He determined that the control stick felt secure and took off on his seventh tow flight. During the climb out, the response to his control stick inputs diminished. The airplane encountered turbulence and the control stick separated from the torque tube assembly. He maintained control of the airplane by using trim, rudder control and throttle variations. The airplane subsequently landed on the grass surface to the right of the runway. During a firm landing, the airplane veered right, and the right wing collided with a berm. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading-edge of the right wing. A subsequent examination of the airplane’s flight controls, revealed that the bolt which secured the control stick to the torque tube assembly had backed out. The castellated nut and cotter pin which secured the bolt were not located.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 PDT
Nearest AirportTwisp Muni (1nm N)
Runway10/2
Runway Length2701 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN6917Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEvergreen Soaring
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2C5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 79 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 10 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F
Altimeter30.08 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data