On 6 May 2010, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by SAALSAA BRAD was involved in an aviation accident near Port Moller, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of the left rudder cable retaining bolt during base to final turn, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot reported left rudder unresponsive during a left base-to-final turn, leading to a hard landing at an off-airport site. Post-accident inspection revealed a missing left rudder cable retaining bolt.
Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a local passenger flight under 14 CFR Part 91 as part of a wilderness lodge operation. The accident occurred during landing at an off-airport site.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the takeoff and flight were uneventful. While on a left base-to-final turn, the left rudder became unresponsive. The pilot managed to level the wings with ailerons just before the airplane impacted the ground. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage during the impact.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the pilot and passenger noted that the left rudder cable retaining bolt was missing. The pilot reported that the rudder cable connection is routinely inspected prior to every flight, and no discrepancy was noted before the accident flight.