On December 9, 1992, an Embraer EMB-120RT (registration N16729) operated by Britt Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The assigned mechanic did not replace the screws and the quality control inspector failed to see that they were missing during his inspection. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew felt a vibration and performed a precautionary landing. Investigation found 14 screws missing from the left upper aileron vane, left out during maintenance.
Incident
Shortly after takeoff, the first officer felt a vibration through the airframe and the control column. The captain experienced the same vibration and decided to execute a precautionary landing at the departure airport. Both pilots perceived the anomaly shortly after rotation, prompting the captain to abort the flight and return to the field. The aircraft landed without further event.
Investigation
Post-flight examination of the aircraft revealed that 14 screws were missing from the left upper aileron vane. The screws had been left out after the vane was partially removed during maintenance prior to the flight. The assigned mechanic did not replace the screws upon completion of the work, and the quality control inspector failed to observe that the screws were missing during the required inspection. The missing components were located on the left upper surface of the aileron vane assembly.
Probable cause
The assigned mechanic did not replace the screws and the quality control inspector failed to see that they were missing during his inspection.
What happened in the 9 Dec 1992 Embraer EMB-120RT accident near Houston, TX?
Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew felt a vibration and performed a precautionary landing. Investigation found 14 screws missing from the left upper aileron vane, left out during maintenance.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 1992 Embraer EMB-120RT accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Dec 1992 involved an Embraer EMB-120RT, registration N16729, operated by Britt Airways, Inc., at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The assigned mechanic did not replace the screws and the quality control inspector failed to see that they were missing during his inspection.
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