A-94-096
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY: 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 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 NTSB asks Cessna Aircraft Company to update the Cessna 400 Series Pilot's Operating Handbook with a note on tail tipping and correct passenger and cargo loading procedures, plus a warning about the dangers of overloading or misloading that could cause elevator control interference from a tail bumper ground strike. The update should also tell pilots that any empennage damage must be inspected by a qualified mechanic and repaired before the next 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 | Nov 20, 1995 |
| NTSB number | CHI92FA104 |
| Addressees | Cessna Aircraft Company |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).