Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 10 December 1997
Aircraft Type: Beechcraft 1900C
Owner/operator: Great Lakes Airlines
Registration Number: N79GL
Location: Rockford, IL – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Substantial
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: Aileron cables.Aileron cables.
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
An airplane experienced a near-miss due to a left-wing drop during a preflight check following a recent refurbishment. The pilot observed aileron movement but did not detect incorrect aileron control, leading to a left-wing drop and impact with the runway edge. Improper cable installation and inadequate maintenance inspection contributed to the incident.An airplane experienced a near-miss due to a left-wing drop during a preflight check following a recent refurbishment. The pilot observed aileron movement but did not detect incorrect aileron control, leading to a left-wing drop and impact with the runway edge. Improper cable installation and inadequate maintenance inspection contributed to the incident.

Description

The airplane had just been refurbished, and it required a maintenance flight check before being released for flight. The pilot conducted a preflight of the airplane, checking the flight controls for freedom of movement and observing aileron movement up and down, but did not ‘see’ or notice incorrect aileron movement. The pilot used normal takeoff procedures. During rotation, the airplane’s left wing began to drop to the left. The pilot applied right aileron, but with no effect. The airplane struck the left edge of the runway in a left wing low attitude, and the left wing impacted a taxi sign. An examination of the airplane revealed that the aileron cables were incorrectly connected at the turnbuckles in the wheelwell. The aircraft maintenance manual contained the following warning: ‘Visually check to assure that aileron travel responds properly to the control wheel movement. When the control wheel is turned right, the right aileron should move up and the left aileron should move down.’ Probable Cause: improper installation of aileron cables by the maintenance personnel, inadequate inspection by the company’s maintenance personnel of maintenance performed, and inadequate preflight by the pilot.

Primary Cause

Improper installation of aileron cables by maintenance personnel, inadequate inspection by maintenance personnel, and inadequate preflight by the pilot.Improper installation of aileron cables by maintenance personnel, inadequate inspection by maintenance personnel, and inadequate preflight by the pilot.

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