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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Jan 1986 Piper PA-22 accident near Jasper, TN?
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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jan 1986 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N5904Z, at Jasper, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of control due to a stripped stabilizer adjustment mechanism during final approach.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…