# NTSB FTW86LA039: Socata MS Rallye 235C, N355RA, Brenham, TX, January 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 21, 1986, 12:14 local (18:14 UTC)
- Place: Brenham, TX
- Coordinates: 30.150648, -96.389755 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1506&lon=-96.3898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21995
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21995/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA039

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - flt control syst,wing flap control - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - flight control,flap - jammed (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE RIGHT FLAP PUSH ROD EXPERIENCED A PROGRESSIVE TYPE FAILURE FROM REPEATED EXCESSIVE FORCE BEING APPLIED BY THE FLAP DRIVE MOTOR. THE EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS CAUSED BY THE FLAP ROLLERS BEING NEGLECTED DURING MAINTENANCE TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY BECAME DRY AND SLID ON THE FLAP TRACK INSTEAD OF ROTATING. THE FLAP TRACK ALSO CONTAINED NOTICABLE WEAR ALTHOUGH THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED ONLY THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRCRAFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE DUE TO SPLIT FLAPS DURING THE FINAL PORTION OF ITS FINAL APPROACH FOR LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN BUT WAS VEERING LEFT. IN ORDER TO PREVENT A COLLISION WITH PARKED AIRCRAFT THE PILOT ADVANCED THE THROTTLE AND BECAME AIRBORNE. AFTER CLEARING THE PARKED AIRCRAFT THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING WHICH TERMINATED IN A GROUP OF TREES ON THE EDGE OF THE AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N355RA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N355RA-1989-03-15), registration cancelled 1989-03-15, S/N 13260 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SOCATA MS RALLYE 235C (MS RALLYE)
- Registry model: [S.O.C.A.T.A. MS RALLYE 235C](https://openairdocs.org/model/s-o-c-a-t-a-ms-rallye-235c) (registry code 8400131) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13260
- Airframe hours: 193
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joe R. Harding
- Last inspection: Annual, October 16, 1985
- Departed: BENCHLEY, TX
- Airport: 11R, Brenham, runway 16, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 440 total, 30 in this make and model, 407 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19860121001519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860121001519A), Jan 21, 1986: Socata RALLYE235C, Brenham, TX, Substantial damage. Right flap rollers were dry, causing friction, eventually failing push pull rod. Split flap condition caused crash.

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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