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2 fatalities

Aileron Cable Reversal Leads to Crash During First Production Flight Test (N4115K)

Lakeland, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 4, 1983, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N4115K) operated by Piper Aircraft Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause was improper aileron control due to reversed aileron cable connections, attributed to inadequate compliance determination by the manufacturer and inadequate preflight by the pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During its first production flight test, an aircraft crashed shortly after lift-off after entering abrupt banks. Investigation revealed the left wing aileron cables were connected backwards. Both pilots were killed.

Occurrence

The aircraft was completing its first production flight test. Shortly after lift-off, witnesses observed the aircraft enter an abrupt right bank, followed by a steep left bank before it crashed.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the left wing revealed that its aileron cables were connected to their respective bellcrank attach points backwards. The official investigation identified three contributing findings: improper aileron control, inadequate compliance determination by the manufacturer, and inadequate preflight by the pilot in command.

Casualties

Both pilots on board were killed.

Probable cause

The cause was improper aileron control due to reversed aileron cable connections, attributed to inadequate compliance determination by the manufacturer and inadequate preflight by the pilot in command.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 1983 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Lakeland, United States of America?

During its first production flight test, an aircraft crashed shortly after lift-off after entering abrupt banks. Investigation revealed the left wing aileron cables were connected backwards. Both pilots were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Dec 1983 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 1983 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N4115K, operated by Piper Aircraft Corporation, at Lakeland, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause was improper aileron control due to reversed aileron cable connections, attributed to inadequate compliance determination by the manufacturer and inadequate preflight by the pilot in command.

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