On November 30, 1995, a Beech 99 (registration N134PM) was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the left rudder control cable. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a sharp jolt in the rudder pedals during landing gear retraction and lost left rudder control. Postflight inspection revealed a failed left rudder control cable with fatigue damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, while retracting the landing gear, he felt a sharp jolt in the rudder pedals. Subsequently, the aircraft would no longer respond to left rudder pedal input. The pilot declared an emergency and performed an uneventful landing.
Postflight Examination
Examination of the aircraft after landing revealed that the left rudder control cable had failed in proximity to a control pulley in the aft fuselage. The two cable retaining pins on the pulley bracket showed cable scrape marks at their midpoints.
Cable History and Metallurgical Findings
The cable had been installed three months before the incident and had accumulated 183 hours in service. A metallurgical examination of the failed cable indicated that at least a portion of its strands had failed due to fatigue.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the left rudder control cable.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Nov 1995 Beech 99 accident near Salt Lake City, UT?
A pilot experienced a sharp jolt in the rudder pedals during landing gear retraction and lost left rudder control. Postflight inspection revealed a failed left rudder control cable with fatigue damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 1995 Beech 99 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Nov 1995 involved a Beech 99, registration N134PM, at Salt Lake City, UT.
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