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Aircraft Crash Lands After Elevator Control Cable Failure on Final Approach (N43SP)

Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa)Landing (descent or approach)

On July 21, 1984, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N43SP) operated by South Pacific Island Airways - SPIA was involved in an aviation accident near Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa) during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction Phase of operation: approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final Findings: 1. (c) flight control system, elevator control - corroded 2. (c) flight control system, elevator control - failure,total. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crash landed after the elevator down control cable failed at about 300 feet AGL on final approach. The left wing struck a terminal roof during a stall from 50 feet AGL. Corrosion caused the cable separation, leading to a change in cable material and inspection intervals.

Incident Details

The aircraft crash landed after the pilot used flaps and power to semi-control pitch when the elevator down control cable failed at about 300 feet above ground level on final approach. During the subsequent stall mush from 50 feet AGL, the left wing of the aircraft struck the terminal roof.

Findings

Investigation revealed that the cable that separated failed due to corrosion. No evidence of fatigue cracking or mechanical wear was found. Corrosion products were detected within 2 inches of the separation on both cable pieces.

Corrective Actions

In response, the company is replacing their aircraft control cables from steel to stainless steel to improve corrosion resistance. Additionally, they are modifying their inspection period from 800 hours to 100 hours between inspections.

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction Phase of operation: approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final Findings: 1. (c) flight control system, elevator control - corroded 2. (c) flight control system, elevator control - failure,total

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1984 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa)?

An aircraft crash landed after the elevator down control cable failed at about 300 feet AGL on final approach. The left wing struck a terminal roof during a stall from 50 feet AGL. Corrosion caused the cable separation, leading to a change in cable material and inspection intervals.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jul 1984 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1984 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N43SP, operated by South Pacific Island Airways - SPIA, at Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa).

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction Phase of operation: approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final Findings: 1. (c) flight control system, elevator control - corroded 2. (c) flight control system, elevator control - failure,total

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