Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA95LA137

HOMESTEAD, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N6167Y

CESSNA T210N

Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF ROTATION THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DOG WHICH CAUSED BINDING OF THE ELEVATOR FLIGHT CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE THEN CLEARED POWERLINES AND CRASHED INTO A FIELD ABOUT 140 PAST THE POWERLINES. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER WAS CRUSHED AFT WHICH INTERFERED WITH RIGHT ELEVATOR MOVEMENT. THE ELEVATOR TRIM TAB ACTUATOR WAS MEASURED AND FOUND TO BE IN THE FULL NOSE DOWN POSITION. WEIGHT AND BALANCE CALCULATIONS REVEALED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS UNDER GROSS WEIGHT AND THE CENTER OF GRAVITY WAS WITHIN ALLOWABLE LIMITS. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER DID NOT WEAR AVAILABLE SHOULDER HARNESSES. THE PILOT RECEIVED FACIAL INJURIES.

Factual Information

On May 27, 1995, about 0805 eastern daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N6167Y, registered to Country Flyin, Inc., crashed into a field shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Homestead, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and five passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that just after rotation, the airplane collided with a dog which damaged the elevator flight control. The airplane climbed and cleared approximately 30 foot-tall power lines that were located about 100 feet past the departure end of runway 27 and crashed into a field about 140 feet west of the power lines. The dog reportedly died. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right outboard portion of the horizontal stabilizer was crushed aft. The right horizontal stabilizer was found to interfere with the right elevator. Examination of the clearance between the leading edge of the undamaged left elevator and the left horizontal stabilizer was measured and found to be about 2 inches. Additionally, the elevator trim tab was measured and found to be full nose down. The pilot's and copilot's seats were equipped with shoulder harnesses however they were not worn. The pilot received facial injuries. Weight and balance calculations revealed that the airplane was under maximum gross weight and the center of gravity was within allowable limits.

Probable Cause and Findings

BINDING (MECHANICAL) OF THE RIGHT ELEVATOR WITH THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER AFTER COLLISION WITH A DOG AT THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER DURING ROTATION. THE DEFORMATION OF THE STABILIZER REDUCED THE PILOT-IN-COMMMAND'S ABILITY TO OPERATE THE ELEVATOR.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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