On August 30, 1993, a Fairchild SA-227-AC (registration N446MA) operated by Mesaba Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Rapids, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the fractured aileron cable and other maintenance personnel's inadequate maintenance/adjustment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a repositioning flight, the crew encountered restricted aileron control while maneuvering to land, resulting in limited left control and no right control. Examination revealed a broken aileron cable that had worn against a steel pin after coming off a pulley.
Incident Overview
The flight crew was operating a repositioning flight when they experienced a restriction to aileron control while maneuvering to land. On approach, control of the ailerons was limited to the left and absent to the right. Despite these limitations, the airplane landed successfully.
Investigation Findings
A subsequent examination of the aileron cable disclosed that it was broken. An independent metallurgical examination of the cable revealed that the failure was consistent with the cable having come off the pulley and wearing against a small diameter steel pin.
Fleet Inspection
Following the incident, a complete inspection of the airline's fleet was conducted on the aileron control cables. No similar discrepancies were found.
What happened in the 30 Aug 1993 Fairchild SA-227-AC accident near Grand Rapids, MN?
During a repositioning flight, the crew encountered restricted aileron control while maneuvering to land, resulting in limited left control and no right control. Examination revealed a broken aileron cable that had worn against a steel pin after coming off a pulley.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1993 involved a Fairchild SA-227-AC, registration N446MA, operated by Mesaba Aviation, Inc., at Grand Rapids, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the fractured aileron cable and other maintenance personnel's inadequate maintenance/adjustment.
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