At 12:14 Pacific time, an experimental Williams Mite M18L lost its vertical stabilizer and rudder assemblies while maneuvering over Gillespie Field. The pilot was not injured. The pilot reported feeling a vibration as he approached the airport and he experienced difficulty controlling the airplane. The separated stabilizer and rudder assemblies were subsequently located on airport property. Inspectors discovered evidence of dry rot on the fracture surfaces.
Sept. 5, San Diego, Calif. / Williams Mite M18L
At 12:14 Pacific time, an experimental Williams Mite M18L lost its vertical stabilizer and rudder assemblies while maneuvering over Gillespie Field. The pilot was not injured. The pilot reported feeling a vibration as he approached the airport and he experienced difficulty controlling the airplane. The separated stabilizer and rudder assemblies were subsequently located on airport property. Inspectors discovered evidence of dry rot on the fracture surfaces....
Key Takeaways:
- An experimental Williams Mite M18L aircraft lost its vertical stabilizer and rudder assemblies while maneuvering over Gillespie Field, though the pilot was uninjured.
- Inspectors determined the cause was dry rot found on the fracture surfaces of the separated parts, following the pilot's report of pre-incident vibrations and control difficulty.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
