Aug. 21, Miami, Fla. / Cessna 172RG

At about 10:59 EDT, the pilot of a Cessna 172RG lost control on landing at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured. The pilot said that, as he climbed through 500 feet, the airplane made an uncommanded yaw to the left and the turn coordinator indicated a skid to the left. He returned for landing and, while trying to use the manual rudder trim, noted that the trim wheel spun freely. While on short final approach, the tower advised him to go around because the landing gear was not extended. He selected the gear down and landed, but the main landing gear was not fully down and locked at touchdown. Inspection revealed the chain for the rudder trim asse...

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Key Takeaways:

  • A Cessna 172RG experienced an uncommanded left yaw shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport with no injuries.
  • The pilot found the manual rudder trim inoperable, as the trim wheel spun freely, indicating a malfunction.
  • During the subsequent landing, the main landing gear was not fully extended and locked upon touchdown.
  • Investigation revealed the rudder trim assembly chain was broken, displacing the rudder trim fully to the left.
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At about 10:59 EDT, the pilot of a Cessna 172RG lost control on landing at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured. The pilot said that, as he climbed through 500 feet, the airplane made an uncommanded yaw to the left and the turn coordinator indicated a skid to the left. He returned for landing and, while trying to use the manual rudder trim, noted that the trim wheel spun freely. While on short final approach, the tower advised him to go around because the landing gear was not extended. He selected the gear down and landed, but the main landing gear was not fully down and locked at touchdown. Inspection revealed the chain for the rudder trim assembly was broken in the cockpit and the rudder trim was displaced fully to the left.

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