4 Jul 2012: PIPER PA-12 — JOHNSON JAMES F

4 Jul 2012: PIPER PA-12 — JOHNSON JAMES F

No fatalities • Stevensville, MT, United States

Probable cause

The separation of the left rudder control cable from the rudder bellcrank, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped which resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed, which allowed the cable to become disconnected from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.

Contributing factors

  • cause Rudder control system — Failure
  • cause Attain/maintain not possible

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 000/03kt, vis 10sm

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