On November 2, 1986, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N996D) was involved in an aviation accident near Ada, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a fractured elevator control cable, which was associated with corrosion of the bellcrank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft nosed over and inverted during the landing roll after the pilot lost elevator control, resulting in substantial damage due to a fractured cable.
What happened
The pilot reported that control of the elevator was lost while the aircraft was conducting the landing roll. Following this loss of control, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft revealed a fractured lower cable connecting the elevator bellcrank forward turnbuckle. Investigators noted that the bellcrank itself was badly corroded. Records indicated that the last inspection performed on the aircraft was an annual inspection conducted one year prior to the mishap.
Findings
The loss of elevator control was directly linked to the structural failure of the lower cable. The condition of the bellcrank, which was severely corroded, likely contributed to the fracture of the connecting hardware.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a fractured elevator control cable, which was associated with corrosion of the bellcrank.