On April 13, 1973, a Cessna 402 (registration N4599Q) operated by Rusk Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Greensboro, United States of America during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent following a failure of the elevator tab control system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane on a demonstration flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Greensboro, killing all six occupants. Investigators determined the loss of control was due to a failure in the elevator tab control system.
Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from Greensboro while conducting a local demonstration flight. The aircraft went out of control and was consumed by flames upon impact. All six occupants on board were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by an uncontrolled descent resulting from a failure of the elevator tab control system. Investigators identified that the flight control system had become disconnected, specifically the bolt connecting the aft elevator bellcrank and elevator pushrod had come loose. Additionally, the aircraft's 100-hour inspection had been completed 66 flight hours prior to the accident.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an uncontrolled descent following a failure of the elevator tab control system. Contributing factors included a disconnected flight control system and a loose bolt in the elevator pushrod assembly.
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