On January 7, 1987, a Cessna 170 (registration N2528V) was involved in an aviation accident near Pittman, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Rudder cable failure due to corrosion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loud snap during a left turn, followed by collapse of the left rudder pedal and right rolling motion. The aircraft spiraled but was corrected just before impact. Investigation found rudder cable failure from corrosion, missed during annual inspection.
Incident Description
Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was executing a left turn, both the pilot and passenger heard a loud snapping sound. Immediately thereafter, the left rudder pedal collapsed, and the airplane began a right rolling motion. The aircraft entered a spiral descent, which was corrected just prior to impact. The aircraft struck the ground in a near-level attitude.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed that the rudder cable had failed due to corrosion. The corrosion was present but not noted during the annual inspection conducted eight months before the accident.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was rudder cable failure due to corrosion.
What happened in the 7 Jan 1987 Cessna 170 accident near Pittman, NJ?
A pilot reported a loud snap during a left turn, followed by collapse of the left rudder pedal and right rolling motion. The aircraft spiraled but was corrected just before impact. Investigation found rudder cable failure from corrosion, missed during annual inspection.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jan 1987 involved a Cessna 170, registration N2528V, at Pittman, NJ.
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