Uncommanded Roll During Final Approach of Beech 1900D

Casualties unknown • Seattle, WA, US

A Beech 1900D experienced a rapid right roll during final approach after flap deployment, caused by mechanical interference between the flap and aileron.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight, the Beech 1900D experienced a rapid, uncommanded roll to the right immediately after the pilot selected the 35-degree flap setting. The first officer, acting as the flying pilot, attempted to counteract the roll by applying nearly full opposite aileron. During this maneuver, the pilot felt the aileron jam momentarily before breaking free. Despite the disturbance, the aircraft landed without further incident.

The investigation

Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed that the inboard, aft end of the right wing outboard flap had detached from the wing flap track. This detachment created flap asymmetry and caused mechanical interference with the aileron control surface. Investigators found that the flap track roller bearing had seized, which led to the flap mounting bracket tearing and separating from the bearing. Additionally, the bearing outer roller was loose enough to shift axially on the bearing outer ring; this movement allowed the outer roller flange to wear against and eventually puncture the flap mounting bracket.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by flap asymmetry and mechanical interference with the aileron resulting from a detached flap end, compounded by the failure to use updated maintenance manuals that required detailed inspections of flap roller brackets, bearings, and hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-21 Beech 1900D accident near Seattle, WA?

A Beech 1900D experienced a rapid right roll during final approach after flap deployment, caused by mechanical interference between the flap and aileron.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-21 involved a Beech 1900D, registration N75ZV, operated by Mesa Airlines, at Seattle, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by flap asymmetry and mechanical interference with the aileron resulting from a detached flap end, compounded by the failure to use updated maintenance manuals that required detailed inspections of flap roller brackets, bearings, and hardware.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07358. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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