1995-04-03: DE Havilland DHC-8-102 — Mesaba Aviation — Moline, IL

Casualties unknown • Moline, IL, US

Probable cause

the defective weld and the subsequent in flight failure of the welded plug located in the piston of the roll spoiler actuator. The manufacturer's inadequate design is a related factor.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilots reported that during the approach to the destination airport, the left inboard roll spoiler jammed in the partially deployed position. The airplane landed without further incident. Postincident examination revealed that the fusion welded plug in the piston of the roll spoiler servoactuator had separated. The manufacturer reported that there was one previous failure of a welded plug in a servoactuator piston. They have since changed the design of the piston to eliminate the welded plug.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-04-03 DE Havilland DHC-8-102 accident near Moline, IL?

The pilots reported that during the approach to the destination airport, the left inboard roll spoiler jammed in the partially deployed position. The airplane landed without further incident. Postincident examination revealed that the fusion welded plug in the piston of the roll spoiler servoactuator had separated.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-04-03 involved a DE Havilland DHC-8-102, registration N828MA, operated by Mesaba Aviation, at Moline, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the defective weld and the subsequent in flight failure of the welded plug located in the piston of the roll spoiler actuator. The manufacturer's inadequate design is a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03251. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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