FTW93LA131

The airplane was in cruise flight when the pilot noted a right wing heavy condition. He attempted to correct the condition by turning the air pressure valve from both tip tanks to the right tip tank. After 10 to 15 minutes, the problem was not resolved and a precautionary landing was made. During the landing roll, the lateral balance limits could not be maintained by the pilot and the right wing tank struck the ground. The wind was gusting between 20 to 35 knots at the time, according to the pilot. The airplane veered to the right as control was lost. The landing gear collapsed before the airplane came to rest. A small fire started after the pilot and his passenger exited the airplane. Testing was accomplished on the components for the fuel system under the direction of the FAA. The results of the tests revealed an inoperative right wing bleed air check valve. It was found corroded with the plunger and spring stuck

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.