Wreckage Location and Distribution
The wreckage was located approximately 16 miles southeast of Eagle Pass. With the exception of the elevators, all major components of the aircraft were identified at the main debris field.
Elevator Components Found at Separate Locations
The outboard half of the right elevator was found 2 miles northwest of the main wreckage, and its counterweight was missing. The inboard half of the right elevator was recovered 3 miles northwest-northwest (direction as stated in the source). The left elevator was found 1.7 miles away; its tip counterweight was also missing.
Stabilizer and Hinge Attachment Findings
The stabilizer skins, both top and bottom, exhibited raised areas between the rivets. The left stabilizer spar middle hinge attachment fitting showed evidence of a pre-existing fracture. Red paint, similar to the surrounding paint, was observed within the fracture of the inboard fitting.
Evidence of Compression Damage
Compression damage was evident on the top of both elevators between the hinge points.
Paint Thickness Measurements
Paint thickness measurements on the elevators were as follows:
- Left elevator upper surface: 0.0060–0.0120 inches
- Left elevator bottom surface: 0.0050–0.0070 inches
- Right elevator upper surface: 0.0048–0.0051 inches
- Right elevator bottom surface: 0.0050–0.0055 inches
According to the manufacturer, paint thickness on elevators of new aircraft ranges between 0.0018 and 0.0027 inches.
Maintenance Records
No logbook record of elevator balancing was found.