On August 24, 1983, a Champion 7KCAB (registration N5270X) was involved in an aviation accident near Boonville, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerobatic training flight, the aircraft crashed in a nose-low, left-wing-low attitude. The instructor pilot was found in the wreckage, while the private pilot was located about 900 feet east. The rudder cable was found disconnected at the pedal end.
Accident Details
The aircraft crashed in a nose-low, left-wing-low attitude while conducting an aerobatic training flight. Neither seat belt showed signs of stretching.
Occupant Locations
The instructor pilot was located within the wreckage of the aircraft. The private pilot, who was the student, was found approximately 900 feet east of the main wreckage. Examination of the private pilot's parachute revealed evidence of impact damage.
Rudder Cable Examination
Inspection of the wreckage revealed that the cable connecting the right rear rudder pedal to the rudder was disconnected at the pedal end. The end of the cable had pulled out of the Nicopress sleeve. The sleeve was tested with a terminal gauge, and the compressed portion of the sleeve would not enter the gauge. It could not be determined whether the cable disconnected prior to or during the accident sequence.