March 14, 2012, Warrenton, Va., Piper PA-32R-300 Lance

The airplane experienced a loss of elevator control during landing at about 1545 Eastern time but was not damaged. The commercial pilot and flight instructor were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.The two were practicing landings. The pilot conducted one landing and stated that the approach for the second landing was normal, but “slightly high.” During the landing flare, the pilot heard a “boom,” the airplane’s nose dropped and the airplane contacted the runway.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An airplane experienced a loss of elevator control during landing practice due to a fractured lower stabilator control cable turnbuckle.
The incident occurred after the pilot heard a "boom" and the airplane's nose dropped, causing it to contact the runway.
Neither the commercial pilot nor the flight instructor were injured, and the airplane sustained no damage; the fractured component is under NTSB examination.

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The two were practicing landings. The pilot conducted one landing and stated that the approach for the second landing was normal, but “slightly high.” During the landing flare, the pilot heard a “boom,” the airplane’s nose dropped and the airplane contacted the runway. Subsequent examination revealed the lower stabilator control cable turnbuckle had fractured. The component was retained by the NTSB for metallurgical examination. The airplane’s most recent annual inspection was completed on March 13, 2012.