On June 7, 1997, a Piper PA-15 (registration N4173H) was involved in an aviation accident near Easton, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A pulley in the aileron system, located on a wing strut, was chipped, and the aileron cable had come out of its track, causing tension loss in the aileron system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a post-annual inspection flight, a pilot lost aileron control after a shallow turn, executed a forced landing using rudder and power, and struck trees. Investigation found a chipped pulley and displaced cable in the aileron system.
Incident Overview
Following takeoff and level-off, the pilot conducted a shallow left turn. Upon attempting to return the wings to level flight, the pilot discovered a loss of aileron control. Utilizing rudder inputs and power adjustments, the pilot performed a forced landing into a field, during which the aircraft struck trees.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident investigation determined that the accident flight was the first flight following an annual inspection. Examination of the aileron control system revealed a pulley mounted on a wing strut that was chipped. Additionally, the aileron cable had dislodged from its track, resulting in a loss of tension within the aileron system.
Probable cause
A pulley in the aileron system, located on a wing strut, was chipped, and the aileron cable had come out of its track, causing tension loss in the aileron system.