N554GA

On April 16, 1993, at approximately 1715 central daylight time, a Hispano Aviacion HA 200 multiengine turbojet airplane, N554GA, was substantially damaged during landing at Walnut Ridge Regional Airport, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Neither the private pilot nor his passenger were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

The pilot had departed from Grain Valley, Missouri, and was en route to Gadsden, Alabama, when he noted that the airplane's right wing felt heavy, according to his statement to the FAA inspector. Corrective measures did not resolve the problem. He elected to land at Walnut Ridge Regional Airport as a precaution. He stated that during the landing roll he had to use both hands to hold the control stick in the full left position. He also reported that the wind was gusting from 20 up to 35 knots. The right wing tip struck the runway's surface resulting in a loss of control. The airplane veered off the runway followed by the landing gear collapsing, and a post accident fire.

Under the direction of the FAA, the fuel system's components were examined and tested. The right wing's bleed air check valve was found corroded with the plunger and spring stuck making it inoperative, according to the FAA.