Incident Overview
While in cruise flight at 5,000 feet, the pilot of a 1973 Cessna 182P observed abnormal vibrations in the elevators on the canard wings. The vibrations intensified throughout the airplane, and subsequently, the left canard was observed hanging down. The pilot reported the airplane's condition to Columbus Approach Control and requested radar vectors to the nearest airport, Weedon Field, in Eufaula, Alabama. The flight landed without further incident.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a 1973 model Cessna 182P. It had been refurbished in 1998, at which time a canard was added under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SA485SW.
Mechanical Findings
The pilot reported a mechanical malfunction involving the nose control assembly left hand canard elevator. The part involved had accumulated a total time of 453 hours. A post-landing examination revealed a separation of the left canard elevator bell crank from the elevator. The bell crank fasteners were found intact. Further examination disclosed that the end rib for the left canard flap was fractured at the location where the left control rod attachment bracket was attached. Wear was observed on the left control rod end fitting. The fatigue features emanated from multiple origins at both the exterior and interior sides of the end rib, consistent with reverse-bending fatigue.
Purpose of Flight
The purpose of the personal flight was undetermined.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.