Date & Time: Mar 29, 1982 at 1610 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5957K
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Delivery
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Memphis - Dallas
MSN:
690-11720
YOM:
1982
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
6830
Captain / Total hours on type:
182
Aircraft flight hours:
55
Circumstances:
The aircraft had been on sales demonstration flights and was on a delivery flight from Memphis, TN to Dallas, TX. The plane was observed departing at 1550 CDT in a max performance climb. Radar info from mode C of the transponder returns indicated that the aircraft climbed from 1,000 to 16,000 feet in 7 min and 14 seconds. Level flight was indicated at 16,300 ft from 1558:16 to 1601:17 CDT. The last alt return was from 16,000 ft at 2201:07. Two more returns were received at 2201:49 and 2202:08, but with no altitude readout. At about that time, the aircraft was observed spiraling down, counterclockwise, with a portion of the left wing missing. The wing tip (outer wing panel outboard from about wing station 190), left aileron and left engine tail cone panel were found about 3 miles from the main wreckage impact point. An examination revealed that the wing panel separation occurred upward from positive overload forces. No evidence was found of fatigue or pre-existing failure. Light to moderate turbulence was reported between 14,000 and 18,000 ft msl. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
1. Weather condition - turbulence
2. (c) wing, spar - overload
3. (c) design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded - pilot in command
4. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
5. (f) overconfidence in aircraft's ability - pilot in command
6. Wing - separation
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Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: unknown
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Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:
N5957K.pdf87.79 KB