On August 19, 1989, a Piper PA-28 (registration N7358J) operated by Mulino Air Center was involved in an aviation accident near Mulino, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND ROUTING OF THE FUEL PRESSURE LINE AND/OR ELECTRICAL WIRING, DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN MECHANICAL BINDING OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL COLUMN. THE FENCE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff roll, the control column was restricted, preventing normal lift-off. Both pilots managed to get airborne but could not climb, then collided with the airport boundary fence. Post-crash examination found fuel pressure line rubbing on control wheel sprocket and avionics wiring in control column area.
Incident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the private pilot applied back pressure on the control column to achieve lift-off, but the control column was restricted from moving aft. As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, both pilots pulled back on the control wheel with sufficient force to become airborne; however, they were unable to make the aircraft climb. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with the airport boundary fence and crashed.
Post-Crash Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel pressure line to the fuel gauge had been rubbing on the right control wheel sprocket. Additionally, avionics wiring was found in and around the control column area.
What happened in the 19 Aug 1989 Piper PA-28 accident near Mulino, OR?
During takeoff roll, the control column was restricted, preventing normal lift-off. Both pilots managed to get airborne but could not climb, then collided with the airport boundary fence. Post-crash examination found fuel pressure line rubbing on control wheel sprocket and avionics wiring in control column area.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N7358J, operated by Mulino Air Center, at Mulino, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND ROUTING OF THE FUEL PRESSURE LINE AND/OR ELECTRICAL WIRING, DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN MECHANICAL BINDING OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL COLUMN. THE FENCE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A RELATED FACTOR.
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