Probable cause
The mechanic's improper installation of the left aileron swage fitting, which resulted in an inflight loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot departed on the first test flight of the newly-restored airplane. Ten minutes after takeoff, the left aileron cable separated from the control stick. The pilot returned to the airport, but the airplane became harder to control as it slowed. The airplane's right wing contacted a corn field, and the airplane impacted terrain about 300 ft short of the runway. Postaccident examination found that the left aileron swage fitting was improperly secured, which resulted in the separation of the aileron cable. The control cable had been re-rigged during restoration.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miller, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Kingsley Airfield (MO9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 25-235
- N-number
- N6542Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.