A-69-008
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE BOARD RECOMMENDED (1) MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF ALL MAGNESIUM TAIL BOOMS WITH ALUMINUM TAIL BOOMS AT THE INITIATION OF ANY CRACKS OR AT 500 HOURS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST; (2) REEVALUATE THE SENSITIVITY OF THE ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH A VIEW TOWARD REQUIRING A MORE POSITIVE CONTROL CENTERING AND/OR A MORE POSITIVE METHOD OF RUDDER SERVO FEEDBACK TO PREVENT CONTROL PEDAL HARDOVERS, AND (3) A SERIES OF FLIGHT TESTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTS ON AN ANTITORQUE CONTROL SYSTEM HARDOVER OR MALFUNCTION EITHER AT OR NEAR VNE AND ALSO AFTER A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB urged the FAA to replace magnesium tail booms with aluminum ones before they crack or after 500 hours of use to prevent structural failure. They also requested a review of anti-torque control systems to ensure pedals return to center reliably and avoid unintended rudder movements. Additionally, immediate flight tests were needed to understand how these controls behave during emergencies like sudden power loss or high-speed maneuvers.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | May 2, 1969 |
| NTSB number | 80385 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).