ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 353901
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| Date: | Thursday 20 August 1998 |
| Time: | 17:00 LT |
| Type: | Massey CHRISTEN EAGLE II |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N72BJ |
| MSN: | M-0118 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 607 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming AEIO-360-A1D |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Galveston, TX -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | (KGLS) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The commercial pilot reported that the in-flight structural failure of the wing spars for the lower wings on a homebuilt experimental biplane. The pilot reported that the airplane was in a shallow dive at an airspeed of 190 to 200 mph, while at an altitude of 4,200 feet above ground level, when he felt a flutter, accompanied by a severe airframe vibration. He also observed the flying wires on the biplane lose their tension 'and make large loops.' The pilot added that the airplane 'may have rolled or tumbled.' He regained control of the airplane after reducing engine power and landed the airplane without further incident. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that all four lower wing spars (forward and aft) failed in flight. The pilot recommended a redesign of the drag and anti-drag blocks at the compression ribs. However, the reason for the failure of the lower wing spars could not be conclusively determined.
Probable Cause: The inflight structural failure of the wing spars for the lower wings due to an undetermined reason.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB FTW98LA368
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Mar-2024 16:45 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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