Aileron Torque Tube Fatigue Leads to Loss of Control During Agricultural Spray (N2331X)

What happened

The pilot was conducting an agricultural spraying operation when he experienced a sudden loss of control. The airplane impacted the ground nose-down with the right wing low in a field. During the investigation, it was determined that the pilot had lost aileron control prior to the impact.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed that a bolt connecting the aileron torque tube to a plate assembly had fractured. The fracture was attributed to fatigue failure, which effectively disconnected the pilot's ability to control the ailerons.

Findings

The loss of aileron control was directly caused by the fatigue fracture of the bolt securing the aileron torque tube to the plate assembly. This mechanical failure prevented the pilot from maintaining directional control of the aircraft during the critical phase of the flight.