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 total loss of aileron control during flight but landed successfully using rudder, incurring no damage or injury.
- The aircraft entered an uncommanded left roll at 2000 feet MSL, after which the pilot discovered the ailerons were unresponsive.
- Investigation revealed a broken right aileron cable, caused by a pulley that had seized and no longer rotated.
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