Piper PA-18-150 N3774Z accident near Port Moller, Alaska

Probable cause

The loss of the left rudder cable retaining bolt during base to final turn, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was on a local passenger flight in conjunction with a wilderness lodge operating under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot said that during landing at an off-airport site he was in a left base to final turn when the left rudder became unresponsive. He said that he was able to level the wings with the ailerons just before the airplane impacted the ground. The pilot reported that the takeoff and earlier flight had been uneventful, but after the accident he and the passenger noted that the left rudder cable retaining bolt was missing. The left wing and fuselage received substantial damage during the impact with terrain. The pilot reported that the rudder cable connection is routinely inspected prior to every flight, and that prior to the accident flight no discrepancy was noted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA037 for the full record.