Aircraft crash during local test flight

No fatalities • Gisborne, New Zealand • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed near the runway during a post-repair test flight, resulting in two serious injuries and total hull loss.

What happened

During a local flight intended to test an aircraft that had recently undergone reconstruction following a previous mishap, a loss of control occurred. Shortly after departing from the runway, the aircraft became unstable and descended into the ground in the vicinity of the airfield.

The accident resulted in two serious injuries among the occupants. The impact caused the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

Investigation into the crash revealed that the primary factor was a mechanical failure related to the flight controls. Specifically, it was discovered that the aileron control cables had been incorrectly installed during the rebuilding process.

Probable cause

The improper installation of the aileron control cables led to the loss of aircraft control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-04-14 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Gisborne, New Zealand?

An aircraft crashed near the runway during a post-repair test flight, resulting in two serious injuries and total hull loss.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-04-14 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-04-14 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration ZK-BFN, operated by Fieldair, at Gisborne, New Zealand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The improper installation of the aileron control cables led to the loss of aircraft control.

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