Casualties unknown

1984-02-22: Beech 99 (N313BA) — Britt Airways, Inc. — Champaign, IL

Champaign, IL, US

On February 22, 1984, a Beech 99 (registration N313BA) operated by Britt Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Champaign, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper installation of screws on the outboard hinge of the left aileron on February 20, 1984. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a loud bang and loss of aileron control during arrival. Investigation found that improperly installed screws on the left aileron hinge caused the outboard section to come loose.

Incident Overview

During arrival to the destination airport, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang, after which the aircraft began rolling to the right. The pilot stated that he was unable to control the roll with the ailerons. In response, he reduced power on the left engine and applied left rudder. This allowed the crew to maintain directional control and land safely.

Post-Landing Findings

After landing, examination revealed that the left aileron was bent at the second hinge point. An investigation determined that on February 20, 1984, the screws on the outboard hinge of the left aileron had been improperly installed. This improper installation allowed the outboard section of the aileron to come loose during flight.

Investigation Result

The investigation concluded that the screws on the outboard hinge of the left aileron were not correctly installed on February 20, 1984, leading to the detachment of the outboard aileron section.

Probable cause

Improper installation of screws on the outboard hinge of the left aileron on February 20, 1984.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38724. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.