Date & Time:
Dec 4, 1983 at 1446 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
Operator:
Registration:
N4115K
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lakeland - Lakeland
MSN:
31-8452006
YOM:
1984
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
2
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
600
Aircraft flight hours:
0
Aircraft flight cycles:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on its first production flight test. Shortly after lift-off it was observed to enter an abrupt right bank, followed by a steep left bank before crashing. Examination of the left wing revealed that its aileron cables were connected to their respective bellcrank attach points backwards. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flt control syst, aileron control - improper
2. (c) acft/equip, inadequate compliance determination - manufacturer
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flt control syst, aileron control - improper
2. (c) acft/equip, inadequate compliance determination - manufacturer
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Final Report:
N4115K.pdf85.44 KB
