The commercial pilot experienced a total loss of aileron control prior to landing without damage or injury. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot was level at 2000 feet msl when the airplane entered an uncommanded left roll. He disengaged the autopilot and discovered the ailerons were not responding. The pilot landed successfully at a nearby airport using the rudder to control the airplane. During a post-flight examination, it was discovered that one of the right aileron cables was broken where it ran in a pulley. When moved the pulley did not rotate.
August 1, 2010, Mount Pleasant, Texas, Piper PA-32R-301T
The commercial pilot experienced a total loss of aileron control prior to landing without damage or injury. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot was level at 2000 feet msl when the airplane entered an uncommanded left roll. He disengaged the autopilot and discovered the ailerons were not responding. The pilot landed successfully at a nearby airport using the rudder to control the airplane.
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial pilot experienced a complete loss of aileron control during flight.
- The pilot successfully landed the aircraft at a nearby airport using only rudder control, preventing any damage or injury.
- Investigation revealed the cause was a broken right aileron cable, attributed to a seized pulley that prevented its rotation.
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