Piper PA-24 N8820P accident near Red Hill, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to an improper repair to the stabilator, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the stabilator. Contributing to the accident was the descent in turbulence, at airspeeds above the maximum structural cruise speed.

NTSB analysis

The flight was being operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan. About 6 minutes prior to the accident, the flight was cleared to descend from its cruise altitude of 7,000 feet. About 2 minutes after the descent clearance was issued, the owner/pilot requested a diversion to a different airport, due to low visibility at the original destination. The request was approved, a heading change to 360 degrees was issued, and about 4 minutes later, the airplane departed controlled flight, and impacted terrain. A performance study revealed that after the airplane left its cruise altitude, it initially descended at a calibrated airspeed of approximately 178 mph. Once the pilot completed the diversion turn, the airspeed increased to values that ranged between 190 and 196 mph. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the two stabilators had deformed and separated prior to impact, and that one stabilator had been improperly repaired with incorrect fasteners. A review of the certification, service, and maintenance information indicated that the airplane's original maximum structural cruise speed of 180 mph was still applicable; the airplane was not to be operated above this speed except in smooth air. A weather analysis indicated moderate to severe turbulence in the vicinity of the flight track.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09FA029 for the full record.