On September 10, 1983, a Piper PA-14 (registration N372T) was involved in an aviation accident near Trenton, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During arrival, an aircraft pitched up left, stalled, and impacted the ground. Investigation revealed the left horizontal stabilizer front attaching point separated because the crossover tube was inserted only 7/8 inch into that side, while the right side had 4-7/8 inches of engagement.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft had recently undergone extensive maintenance, including internal and external recovering and a supplemental type certificate (STC) modification. During its arrival at Trenton, Missouri, it was observed on a short final approach. At a position approximately 200 feet short of the runway and 75 feet above ground level, the aircraft was seen to pitch up to the left, stall, then pitch down and impact the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the front attaching point for the left horizontal stabilizer had separated from the crossover tube. The crossover tube is designed as a connecting member between the left and right horizontal stabilizers. There was evidence that the crossover tube had been inserted only 7/8 inch into the front attaching point of the left stabilizer, whereas it was inserted 4-7/8 inches into the right stabilizer. The connecting bolt for the left stabilizer was still installed, but it was located beyond the extension of the crossover tube on that side, indicating that the tube had not been fully engaged.