PIPER PA-12
Stevensville, MT — July 4, 2012
Event Information
| Date | July 4, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR12CA293 |
| Event ID | 20120705X10053 |
| Location | Stevensville, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.52500, -114.05278 |
| Airport | Stevensville Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-12 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The separation of the left rudder control cable from the rudder bellcrank, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped which resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed, which allowed the cable to become disconnected from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.