Event Overview
On November 21, 2017, a SAAB 340 aircraft operated by SprintAir S.A., registered as SP-KPZ, was taxiing for departure at London-Stansted Airport (EGSS) when the crew encountered a mechanical issue. According to the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) report, the aircraft had been taxiing with the intention of performing a non-scheduled commercial flight. Before entering Runway 22, the crew unlocked the gust lock. Shortly thereafter, a loud bang was heard, and the crew noted a lack of rudder deflection. The flight was aborted, and the aircraft taxied back to the stand.
Findings
Mechanics dispatched from Warsaw examined the aircraft and found a broken turnbuckle in the rear fuselage that tensions the right rudder control cable. Additionally, the former through which the cable passed was damaged. After contacting the aircraft manufacturer, the damaged turnbuckle was replaced, and an inspection of the rear fuselage area was conducted. The aircraft was subsequently ferried to Warsaw under a permit to fly (PTF), where the damaged former was repaired.
Weather conditions were reported as having no influence on the event.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the breakage of the turnbuckle.
No safety recommendations were issued by the PKBWL, and the operator did not undertake any preventive actions.