Accident Details
According to the pilot, approximately five minutes after departure, all roll control was lost at both pilot's control yokes. The pilot selected a field for an emergency landing, considered but decided against attempting a rudder-only turn into the prevailing wind, and instead landed straight ahead. The chosen field was a coastal swamp area. During the landing, the aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and wings.
Examination Findings
Post-crash examination revealed that the aileron control cable had separated near the turning pulley located at the left side of the cockpit overhead. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Materials Laboratory examined the fracture site of the cable. The examination disclosed extensive corrosion damage to individual wire strands, with many of the strands corroded completely through.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had undergone an annual inspection 31.2 flight hours prior to the accident.