Probable cause
The separation of a stabilator control cable turnbuckle due to stress corrosion cracking, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff, the airplane did not respond to stabilator control inputs, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane went off the end of the runway and through a ditch, striking an embankment. A postaccident examination revealed that a stabilator control cable had failed at a turnbuckle fitting as a result of stress corrosion cracking, which resulted in a lack of up-stabilator control. The airplane was within the maintenance inspection requirements at the time of the accident, with the most recent annual inspection being completed about 1 year before the accident. The airplane service manual included a special control cable fitting inspection for airplanes in service 15 years or more. According to the service manual, any evidence of corrosion or cracking was cause for replacement.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 29, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waterloo, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R-301T
- N-number
- N8370L
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.