# NTSB MKC83FA216: Piper PA-14, N372T, Trenton, MO, September 10, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 10, 1983, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Trenton, MO
- Coordinates: 40.080654, -93.600273 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0807&lon=-93.6003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33355
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33355/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA216

## 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
  - horizontal stabilizer attachment - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,major repair - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE ACFT HAD JUST RECEIVED EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE AT BUFFALO, MO, WHICH INCLUDED INTERNAL & EXTERNAL RECOVERING & AN STC MODIFICATION. DURING ARRIVAL AT TRENTON, MO, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED ON A SHORT FINAL APCH. AT A POSITION OF APRX 200 FT SHORT OF THE RWY & 75 FT AGL, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO PITCH UP TO THE LEFT, STALL, PITCH DOWN & IMPACT THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE FRONT ATTACHING POINT FOR THE LEFT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CROSSOVER TUDE. THE CROSSOVER TUBE WAS DESIGNED AS A CONNECTING MEMBER BETWEEN THE LEFT & RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THE CROSSOVER TUBE HAD ONLY BEEN INSERTED 7/8 INCH INTO THE FRONT ATTACHING POINT OF THE LEFT STABILIZER, BUT WAS INSERTED 4-7/8 INCHES INTO THE RIGHT STABILIZER. THE CONNECTING BOLT WAS STILL INSTALLED IN THE LEFT STABILIZER, BUT IT WAS LOCATED BEYOND THE EXTENSION OF THE CROSSOVER TUBE ON THAT SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N372T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N372T), registered now, S/N 14-492, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-14
- Registry model: [Piper PA-14](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-14) (registry code 7101402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14-492
- Airframe hours: 1566
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lee T. Speicher
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 9, 1983, 2 hours before
- Departed: H17, BUFFALO, MO
- Airport: TRX, Trenton Municipal, runway 35, 4,400 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 448 total, 448 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Observed at: IRK, 62 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 19830910048009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830910048009A), Sep 10, 1983: Piper PA14, Trenton, MO, Substantial damage. Left horizontal stabilizer crossover tube came out on approach. Aircraft stalled. Tube not inserted to catch bolt.

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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