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.
- The pilot was uninjured but reported experiencing vibrations and control difficulties before the structural failure.
- Investigators discovered evidence of dry rot on the fracture surfaces of the separated components, indicating a likely cause of the incident.
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