# NTSB CHI91LA217: Piper PA22/20, N5968D, Stevens Point, WI, July 13, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 13, 1991, 14:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Stevens Point, WI
- Coordinates: 44.540603, -89.560333 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5406&lon=-89.5603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15119
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA217
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15119/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA217

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM RUDDER CONTROL ROD (RUDDER CABLE BELLCRANK TORQUE TUBE) BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE INOPERATIVE TAILWHEEL STEERING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - failure,total
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - landing gear,steering system - inoperative (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE TRICYCLE LANDING GEAR AIRPLANE WAS CONVERTED TO A CONVENTIONAL GEAR CONFIGURATION USING A SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE (STC).  DURING A LANDING ROLLOUT THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO TURN TO THE LEFT.  ATTEMPTS BY THE PILOT AND INSTRUCTOR TO STOP THE TURN WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.  THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND GROUNDLOOPED.  AND INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE BELLCRANK TORQUE TUBE HAD FAILED.  THE RUDDER PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND BROKEN PART DID NOT CONFORM TO THE STC DESIGN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5968D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5968D), registered now, S/N 22-4633, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA22/20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4633
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: R. H. Rettler & Associates
- Registered owner: R. H. Rettler & Associates
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 21, 1991, 6 hours before
- Airport: STE, Stevens Point, runway 3, 6,028 × 120 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,360 total, 5 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft overcast
- Observed at: CWA, 15 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910713027339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910713027339A), Jul 13, 1991: Piper STCPA22, Stevens Point, WI, Substantial damage. Lost directional control landing during biennial check. Ground looped. Rudder torque tube failed. Improvised part.

## Other investigations on N5968D (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW79FPD35](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FPD35), Aug 15, 1979: Piper PA-22 (N5968D), Abilene, TX, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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