Summary
On December 09, 1997, a Johnson BUSHROD (N6232F) was involved in an accident near Corona, CA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An in-flight loss of control resulting from a malfunction in the wing flap operating system. The malfunction produced asymmetrical drag and induced a roll which could not be overcome by the pilot's flight control inputs.
On December 9, 1997, at 1106 hours Pacific standard time, a Stephen B. Johnson, Bushrod, N6232F, operated by the pilot, experienced a loss of control approaching the Corona Municipal Airport, Corona, California. The experimental airplane was destroyed, and the airline transport certificated pilot was seriously injured. Two unoccupied parked airplanes were also damaged during the collision. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Corona about 1045.
The pilot indicated to the Federal Aviation Administration coordinator that the purpose of the test flight was, in part, to explore the airplane's operating envelope.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX98LA056. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6232F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
An in-flight loss of control resulting from a malfunction in the wing flap operating system. The malfunction produced asymmetrical drag and induced a roll which could not be overcome by the pilot's flight control inputs.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 9, 1997, at 1106 hours Pacific standard time, a Stephen B. Johnson, Bushrod, N6232F, operated by the pilot, experienced a loss of control approaching the Corona Municipal Airport, Corona, California. The experimental airplane was destroyed, and the airline transport certificated pilot was seriously injured. Two unoccupied parked airplanes were also damaged during the collision. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Corona about 1045.
The pilot indicated to the Federal Aviation Administration coordinator that the purpose of the test flight was, in part, to explore the airplane's operating envelope. The first approach and intentional go-around to runway 25 was accomplished without using the flaps, and no anomalies were reported. Full flaps were used during the second approach. The pilot reported that after the flaps were extended the airplane entered a left turn which he could not stop despite his flight control inputs, and the airplane descended. The accident occurred during the 7th hour of the flight test program. The pilot reported no mechanical problems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX98LA056