On April 8, 1995, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N6390C) operated by Perkins, Bradley H. was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT EXCEEDED THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND SUBSEQUENT OVERLOAD FAILURES OF THE STABILATOR AND WING SPARS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot on his last flight performed an intentional roll, causing the right wing to fold back. Examination revealed overload failures across multiple structures; no fatigue was found. The aircraft's handbook prohibits intentional aerobatic maneuvers.
Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was making what was reported to be his last flight in the airplane, as he was taking a job as a commuter pilot. According to a CFI who spoke with the pilot before departure, the pilot stated he was going to 'roll the airplane.'
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the right wing folded back, accompanied by a loud booming noise. No inflight smoke or fire was reported.
Structural Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the left stabilator failed in positive overload (failed down). The right wing failed at the wing root and also outboard of the right engine. The left wing failed outboard of the left engine. Wing spar examination showed upward (positive) bending, but failure was in the downward direction. All fracture surfaces showed evidence of overload; no evidence of fatigue was observed.
Aircraft Limitations
The pilot's operating handbook includes the limitation that all intentional aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited in this airplane.