Casualties unknown

1988-01-17: Christen Industries A-1 (N29076) — Pompano Beach, FL

Pompano Beach, FL, US

On January 17, 1988, a Christen Industries A-1 (registration N29076) was involved in an aviation accident near Pompano Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The forward control stick had been removed and was reinstalled backwards prior to the accident flight, restricting the forward movement of the control stick. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that pushing the control stick forward to raise the tail caused a violent pitch-up, stall, and right roll. Post-crash examination revealed the forward control stick had been reinstalled backwards, limiting forward movement.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported experiencing a loss of control during a flight. According to the pilot's statement, as he pushed the control stick forward in an attempt to raise the tail, the aircraft violently pitched up, stalled, and broke to the right. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground, and the aircraft rolled over, coming to rest inverted.

Post-Crash Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the aircraft revealed that the forward control stick had been removed and was reinstalled backwards prior to the accident flight. This incorrect installation restricted the forward movement of the control stick, thereby limiting the pilot's ability to control the aircraft's pitch as intended.

Conclusions from the Investigation

The investigation determined that the control stick's reversed installation directly affected the aircraft's pitch control. The restriction in forward stick travel prevented the pilot from effectively lowering the nose, leading to the aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.

Probable cause

The forward control stick had been removed and was reinstalled backwards prior to the accident flight, restricting the forward movement of the control stick.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.