On April 28, 1989, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N57946) operated by Doan Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near New Smyrna Bch., FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The rudder stops were removed, allowing the rudder to contact the elevator and render it inoperable. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane returned shortly after departure due to an unattached tail hook. During landing in a crosswind, the airplane weathervaned and turned, damaging the right wing. Investigation revealed missing rudder stops caused rudder-elevator interference.
Narrative
Shortly after departure, the flight crew returned the airplane to land because the tail hook was not attached. The approach was normal, and the pilot executed a three-point landing with a 20-degree left crosswind at 10 knots. During the landing roll, the airplane weathervaned. The pilot applied full right rudder, up elevator, and left aileron control as the wing was raised by the wind. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to turn. The upper and lower right wings were damaged by contact with the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed that the rudder stops had been removed. This allowed the rudder to contact the elevator, rendering the elevator inoperable. The missing rudder stops were identified as a condition that prevented proper control response during the landing.
Probable cause
The rudder stops were removed, allowing the rudder to contact the elevator and render it inoperable.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Apr 1989 Boeing A75N1 accident near New Smyrna Bch., FL?
An airplane returned shortly after departure due to an unattached tail hook. During landing in a crosswind, the airplane weathervaned and turned, damaging the right wing. Investigation revealed missing rudder stops caused rudder-elevator interference.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 1989 Boeing A75N1 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Apr 1989 involved a Boeing A75N1, registration N57946, operated by Doan Helicopters, Inc., at New Smyrna Bch., FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The rudder stops were removed, allowing the rudder to contact the elevator and render it inoperable.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…