On August 15, 1993, a Cessna 177A (registration N30393) was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The battery cover had not been secured properly, resulting in the battery shifting and laying across control cables, causing electrical arcing that separated both primary elevator control cables and the right rudder cable. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and passenger encountered turbulence, smelled smoke, and lost elevator control. The pilot used trim and throttle to descend but landed hard during flare. Examination revealed an unsecured battery cover caused the battery to shift, leading to electrical arcing and separation of elevator and rudder cables.
Incident Summary
After preflighting the airplane, the pilot and passenger departed for a cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane encountered turbulence, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. While en route, the pilot smelled smoke and subsequently experienced a loss of elevator control. The pilot used trim and throttle control to descend the airplane, but during the flare, the airplane landed hard due to reduced aircraft control.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airplane revealed that the battery cover had not been secured properly. The battery was found upside down, laying across control cables. Both primary elevator control cables and the right rudder cable were separated due to electrical arcing.
Probable cause
The battery cover had not been secured properly, resulting in the battery shifting and laying across control cables, causing electrical arcing that separated both primary elevator control cables and the right rudder cable.
What happened in the 15 Aug 1993 Cessna 177A accident near Lawrence, MA?
A pilot and passenger encountered turbulence, smelled smoke, and lost elevator control. The pilot used trim and throttle to descend but landed hard during flare. Examination revealed an unsecured battery cover caused the battery to shift, leading to electrical arcing and separation of elevator and rudder cables.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna 177A, registration N30393, at Lawrence, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The battery cover had not been secured properly, resulting in the battery shifting and laying across control cables, causing electrical arcing that separated both primary elevator control cables and the right rudder cable.
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