N2870M

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-12S/N: 12-1199

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA293
Location
Stevensville, MT
Event ID
20120705X10053
Coordinates
46.525001, -114.052780
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The separation of the left rudder control cable from the rudder bellcrank, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
12-1199
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
PA-12PA12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
PA-12

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JOHNSON JAMES F
Address
5642 LOWER WOODCHUCK RD
City
FLORENCE
State / Zip Code
MT 59833-6624
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane suddenly veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped which resulted in structural damage to the left wingtip and aileron. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the nicopress fitting on the left rudder control cable had failed, which allowed the cable to become disconnected from the rudder bellcrank. No additional preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation were reported.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA293