On February 1, 1986, a Cessna 195 (registration N4339N) was involved in an aviation accident near Black Diamond, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to maneuver in congested airspace while exceeding the aircraft's design limits, which resulted in structural overload and failure of the right wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 195 pilot exceeded design limits while maneuvering in congested airspace near another aircraft performing aerobatics, causing the right wing to fail due to structural overload.
What happened
Radar data indicates that a Cessna 195 was descending into congested airspace at approximately 192 knots. This speed exceeded the aircraft's maximum structural cruise speed of 178 mph. The incident occurred less than one minute before the pilot intended to enter the traffic pattern.
Witnesses and radar data confirmed the presence of a second aircraft in close proximity, which was engaged in aerobatic maneuvers. While maneuvering in this environment, the Cessna 195 pilot exceeded the design limits of the airframe. As a result, the right wing failed due to structural overload.
The investigation
Investigation relied on radar track data and witness accounts. Radar confirmed the descent profile and speed relative to the maximum structural cruise limit. Witness testimony corroborated the proximity of another aircraft performing aerobatics at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to maneuver in congested airspace while exceeding the aircraft's design limits, which resulted in structural overload and failure of the right wing.