Accident Overview
Following a touch-and-go landing, the aircraft lifted off and climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level. The pilot transmitted that he had a problem, though he did not specify the nature of the issue. The aircraft was observed entering what initially appeared to be a pilot-initiated left turn. Soon afterward, the bank angle and pitch angle increased, and the aircraft descended into a commercial aircraft post-production parking ramp.
Flight Path and Impact
Just prior to impact, the aircraft's bank angle had increased to more than 80 degrees, and its nose was approximately 40 degrees below the horizon. A photo from a ramp security camera and a post-accident inspection revealed that the flaps were in the full-down position at impact.
Mechanical Examination
Further investigation determined that the flap latch inner pivot bushing and the rivet that retained it were missing. This condition caused the flap latch to become detached from its pivot point within the handle, leaving no way for it to be disengaged from the flaps-full-down notch in the flap ratchet plate, thus negating the possibility of flap retraction. It was also found that the holes in the sides of the flap handle, wherein the inner pivot bushing rests, had both worn to an oblong shape. One of the holes, at the point of its greatest diameter, had worn to 0.337 inch oversize.