On May 11, 1993, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7198Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Watkins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TOUCHDOWN ALIGNMENT, AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, the rudder pedal was unresponsive. After a go-around, the airplane stalled, struck a segmented circle, spun, and skidded to a halt. Post-accident inspection found no rudder system malfunction.
Event Summary
During landing, the instructor pilot observed that the airplane touched down with the nose 3 to 5 degrees right of the runway centerline. The instructor pilot instructed the instructor trainee to apply left rudder, but the rudder pedal did not move. The instructor pilot also applied left rudder with no movement. As the airplane began to depart the side of the runway, the instructor pilot applied full power. The airplane became airborne for approximately 1,000 feet before it began to stall and roll. To avoid striking the ground in a banked attitude, the instructor pilot retarded the throttles and levelled the wings. The right wing then struck the airport's segmented circle, causing the airplane to spin to the right and skid to a halt.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the rudder control system did not disclose any malfunction or failure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 May 1993 Piper PA-30 accident near Watkins, CO?
During landing, the rudder pedal was unresponsive. After a go-around, the airplane stalled, struck a segmented circle, spun, and skidded to a halt. Post-accident inspection found no rudder system malfunction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 May 1993 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7198Y, at Watkins, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE STUDENT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TOUCHDOWN ALIGNMENT, AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION.
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