On January 20, 1986, a Piper PA-22 (registration N5904Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Jasper, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control due to a stripped stabilizer adjustment mechanism during final approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed into a house during an uncontrolled descent while approaching Marion Airport for landing, resulting in the pilot losing control due to a stabilizer malfunction.
What happened
The aircraft was on final approach to Marion Airport when the pilot experienced a sudden loss of control. During this phase of flight, the pilot reported that the stabilizer adjustment mechanism had stripped. As the pilot attempted to use the trim tab to correct the situation, the aircraft nosed up violently. This abrupt pitch change led to an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a house before striking the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure reported by the pilot. Evidence confirmed that the stabilizer adjustment had stripped during the approach. The violent nose-up attitude observed was directly linked to this mechanical malfunction while the trim tab was being manipulated.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control due to a stripped stabilizer adjustment mechanism during final approach.
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