MIA98LA092

The pilot stated he was at an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet when he made an aileron input, which was hard enough to cause fluid in the hopper tank to 'slosh' around. The airplane shuddered as if in a stall. He moved the control stick forward to increase airspeed, and the shutter continued. The airplane started to turn to the left. The pilot applied right aileron and rudder, then he visually checked the ailerons and observed that both were in the up position. He reduced power, and the left wing dropped. The pilot increased power and applied rudder to maintain aircraft control. The airplane continued in a slight left turn. While making a forced landing in an open field, the pilot reduced power, and the left wing dropped and collided with the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left aileron control rod end fitting had become disconnected at the adjustment jam nut. The rod end had lost its flexibility, because of rust (corrosion), due to lack of attention and/or lubrication.

On March 4, 1998, about 1335 central standard time, a Cessna 188B, N53382, registered to Kimmel Aviation, crashed near Houston, Mississippi, while making an emergency landing following a reported in-flight control system malfunction, while on a 14 CFR part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated about 10 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was about 150 to 200 feet when he made an aileron input which was hard enough for the water in the hopper tank to "slosh" around. The airplane shuddered as if in a stall. The pilot moved the control stick forward to increase airspeed and the shutter continued. The airplane started to turn to the left. He applied right aileron and rudder, looked outside and observed both ailerons in the up position. He reduced power and the left wing dropped. He increased power and applied rudder to maintain aircraft control. The airplane continued in a slight left turn. While making a forced landing in an open field he reduced power, the left wing dropped and collided with the ground.

According to the FAA Inspector's statement, when he examined the wreckage he found the "left aileron control rod end fitting broken...at the adjustment jam nut." He further stated that the rod end "had lost its flexibility, because of rust (corrosion)." The FAA Inspector wrote in his statement, "...when the rod end fitting broke the pilot lost control of the aircraft...[and] this accident occurred due to lack of attention and or lubrication of moving parts."