On May 4, 1991, a Piper PA-12 (registration N78583) operated by Red Baron Aerial Ads, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Stuart, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right rudder cable failed due to corrosion approximately one inch forward of the turnbuckle. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll, the aircraft veered left; the right rudder pedal traveled to the floor. Examination revealed the right rudder cable failed due to corrosion. The aircraft exited the runway and struck a parked aircraft.
Incident Details
After lowering the tailwheel during the landing roll, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct the deviation, but the right rudder pedal traveled to the floor. The aircraft subsequently ran off the left side of the runway and collided with a parked aircraft.
Examination Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right rudder cable had failed due to corrosion. The failure occurred approximately one inch forward of the turnbuckle.
Maintenance History
A review of the aircraft logbook showed that an annual inspection had been performed on July 1, 1990. The aircraft had accumulated 428 hours since that inspection.
Probable cause
The right rudder cable failed due to corrosion approximately one inch forward of the turnbuckle.
What happened in the 4 May 1991 Piper PA-12 accident near Stuart, FL?
During landing roll, the aircraft veered left; the right rudder pedal traveled to the floor. Examination revealed the right rudder cable failed due to corrosion. The aircraft exited the runway and struck a parked aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 May 1991 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N78583, operated by Red Baron Aerial Ads, Inc., at Stuart, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The right rudder cable failed due to corrosion approximately one inch forward of the turnbuckle.
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