A-94-093
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ENCOURAGE THE CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY TO AMEND THE CESSNA 400 SERIES PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK TO INCLUDE A NOTE ON TAIL TIPPING AND PROPER PASSENGER AND CARGO LOADING PROCEDURES AND A WARNING REGARDING THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERLOADING OR MISLOADING THE AIRPLANE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR ELEVATOR CONTROL INTERFERENCE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF A TAIL BUMPER GROUND STRIKE. THE AMENDMENT SHOULD ADVISE PILOTS THAT DAMAGE TO THE EMPENNAGE SHOULD BE EXAMINED BY A QUALIFIED AIRCRAFT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED, IF NECESSARY, BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to encourage Cessna Aircraft Company to update the Cessna 400 Series pilot's handbook with a note on tail tipping and proper loading procedures, and a warning about the hazards of overloading or misloading, including potential elevator control interference from a tail bumper ground strike. The update should also instruct pilots to have any empennage damage inspected by a qualified mechanic and repaired before further flight.
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 | Oct 17, 1995 |
| NTSB number | CHI92FA104 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).