# NTSB NYC86LA179: Champion 7GCAA, N9574S, Newburyport, MA, July 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1986, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Newburyport, MA
- Location: 42.8123° N, 70.8866° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Newburyport, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8123&lon=-70.8866&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30381
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30381/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA179

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flt control syst,rudder control - separation (cause)
  - directional control - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flt control syst,rudder control - failure,partial
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

PILOT MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AFTER EXPERIENCING A RUDDER CONTROL FAILURE AFTER A BANNER PICK UP. THE LEFT AFT RUDDER CABLE HAD PARTED 49.5 INCHES AFT OF THE RUDDER PEDAL ATTACHMENT POINT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9574S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9574S), registered now, S/N 14, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcaa) (registry code 21101N8) (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
- Airframe hours: 1854
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Air Plum Island
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, December 18, 1985
- Departed: NEWBURYPORT, MA
- Airport: 2B2, Plum Island

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,181 total, 118 in this make and model, 1,118 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 8 knots, gusting 13
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °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 19860711032539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860711032539A), Jul 11, 1986: Bbavia 7GCAA, Newburyport, MA, Substantial damage. The banner tow aircraft made a precautionary landing in a marsh after a pik up. Left rudder cable had failed.

## Other investigations on N9574S (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 CHI73FET17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FET17), Apr 7, 1973: Champion 7GCAA (N9574S), Kendallville, IN, 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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