On December 10, 1988, a Cessna 182E (registration N9261X) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of three lower instrument panel shock mounts, which allowed the instrument panel to drop and contact the control column, causing it to bind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a stuck control column shortly after takeoff, resulting in a hard landing and bounce. Investigation revealed failed shock mounts caused the instrument panel to drop and bind the controls.
What happened
Shortly after rotation at an altitude of approximately 20 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the control column would not move. He closed the throttle and the aircraft landed hard, bounced, then came to rest off the runway.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that three of the four lower instrument panel shock mounts had failed. This failure allowed the instrument panel to drop. As a result, the attitude indicator contacted the control column causing the binding.
Findings
The primary issue was three failed lower instrument panel shock mounts. This mechanical failure led to the instrument panel dropping and contacting the control column. The contact between the attitude indicator and the control column caused the control column binding.
Probable cause
Failure of three lower instrument panel shock mounts, which allowed the instrument panel to drop and contact the control column, causing it to bind.
What happened in the 10 Dec 1988 Cessna 182E accident near Ocala, FL?
A pilot reported a stuck control column shortly after takeoff, resulting in a hard landing and bounce. Investigation revealed failed shock mounts caused the instrument panel to drop and bind the controls.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N9261X, at Ocala, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of three lower instrument panel shock mounts, which allowed the instrument panel to drop and contact the control column, causing it to bind.
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