On February 3, 2004, a Cessna 208B (registration N125AR) operated by Rushton Air was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue cracking of the right rudder control cable due to bending loads introduced by over-torque of the clevis bolt during manufacturing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, right rudder and trim controls were unresponsive. Post-flight inspection revealed a broken rudder cable. NTSB analysis found fatigue cracking from an overtightened clevis bolt during manufacturing.
Incident Details
The flight crew reported that during the takeoff roll, the co-pilot observed that the right rudder and trim controls were not responding. The crew began troubleshooting the issue while airborne. The pilot continued the flight and subsequently performed an uneventful landing.
Investigation Findings
A post-landing examination of the aircraft revealed that the right rudder control cable was broken. The National Transportation Safety Board's Materials Laboratory conducted an analysis of the failed cable. The examination showed that the wire rope portion of the cable had fractured just inside the clevis fitting at the forward end of the cable. The fracture was determined to be the result of fatigue cracking. The fatigue cracks initiated due to the introduction of bending loads, which were caused by an over-torque of the clevis bolt during the manufacturing process. No other contributing factors were identified in the source material.
Probable cause
Fatigue cracking of the right rudder control cable due to bending loads introduced by over-torque of the clevis bolt during manufacturing.
What happened in the 3 Feb 2004 Cessna 208B accident near Auburn, AL?
During takeoff, right rudder and trim controls were unresponsive. Post-flight inspection revealed a broken rudder cable. NTSB analysis found fatigue cracking from an overtightened clevis bolt during manufacturing.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Feb 2004 Cessna 208B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N125AR, operated by Rushton Air, at Auburn, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue cracking of the right rudder control cable due to bending loads introduced by over-torque of the clevis bolt during manufacturing.
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