Incident Description
On December 17, 2014, a Tecnam P2006T aircraft (registration SP-MAC, operated by Ventum Air) was on approach to runway 25 at Łódź Lublinek Airport. At approximately 5 nautical miles from the runway threshold, the control column rotated to the left. The crew had to apply significant force to maintain the control column in a neutral position. The landing on runway 25 was completed without further incident.
Post-Landing Inspection
After landing, an inspection revealed that the external hinge of the left aileron had become disconnected. The hinge pin had slipped out of its position, and the cotter pin intended to secure the hinge pin was missing.
Pre-Flight Inspection
A thorough pre-flight inspection of the aircraft had been conducted prior to the flight, during which all cotter pins securing the aileron hinge pins were noted as present.
Manufacturer Notification
The aircraft manufacturer was informed of the occurrence. The manufacturer did not suggest a cause for the event. The incident was treated as an isolated occurrence. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service.
Investigation Findings
The commission determined that the cause of the incident was the slipping out of the axis of the external hinge of the left wing aileron. However, the commission did not establish the reason for the loss of the cotter pin that should have prevented the hinge pin from slipping out.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were formulated by the commission.