N15MD

Substantial
None

BEECH 58S/N: TH-441

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 26, 2016
NTSB Number
CEN16CA359
Location
Wichita Falls, TX
Event ID
20160907X45319
Coordinates
33.988887, -98.491943
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The incorrect maintenance of the airplane's ventilation system which resulted in an obstruction of the elevator control system.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N15MD
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
TH-441
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COBRA KAI INC
Address
3401 SW 11TH ST STE 3
Status
Deregistered
City
LAWTON
State / Zip Code
OK 73501-8286
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during a maintenance test flight, when the airplane reached rotation speed on takeoff, he applied elevator control to rotate. The elevator control could not be moved sufficiently aft for rotation and liftoff, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane travelled off the departure end of the runway and came to a stop on an airport access road. The airplane's left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing was bent during the accident. The pilot reported that he had performed a control system check prior to the flight and that the controls functioned normally during that check. Examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator control operated normally after the accident, but further examination revealed that a plastic elbow fitting for the windshield defroster duct was loose and could be rotated into a position that obstructed full motion of the control yoke. Examination of the elbow revealed that it was not an approved part and appeared to be the type of plastic elbow found in home supply stores. The recent maintenance performed was not in the area where the plastic elbow was located.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN16CA359