# NTSB NYC87DHD02: Cessna 170, N2528V, Pittman, NJ, January 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: January 7, 1987, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Pittman, NJ
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30441
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87DHD02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30441/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DHD02

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,rudder control - corroded (cause)
  - flt control syst,rudder control - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - spiral - uncontrolled (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT APPROX 15 MINS AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE IN A LEFT TURN, BOTH HE AND HIS PAX HEARD A LOUD SNAP. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY COLLAPSE OF THE LEFT RUDDER PEDAL AND A RIGHT ROLLING MOTION. THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO SPIRAL; JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT THE SPIRAL WAS CORRECTED. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR LEVEL ATTITUDE. INSPECTION REVEALED THE RUDDER CABLE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE CORROSION WAS NOT NOTED DURING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION 8 MONTHS EARLIER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2528V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2528V-2012-09-12), registration cancelled 2012-09-12, S/N 18032, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170
- Registry model: [Cessna 170](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170) (registry code 2072302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18032
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John M Cassady
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 26, 1986
- Departed: 24N, PITMAN, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,179 total, 454 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19870107000219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870107000219A), Jan 7, 1987: Cessna 170, Pitman, NJ, Destroyed. The aircraft entered a descending spiral and impacted in an orchard. Rudder cable had failed due to corrosion.

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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