NTSB: Corroded pulley 'did not rotate freely' in plane that crashed in Lantana

Summary

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on a fatal small plane crash in Palm Beach County Park Airport reveals potential mechanical issues, including a corroded pulley in the wing's aileron control system that failed to rotate freely, leading to the loss of control and crash. The aircraft, purchased recently with missing maintenance logs, had its last inspection in September 2022. Concerns are raised over the maintenance history of the 42-year-old plane, emphasizing the importance of proper upkeep for aircraft safety.

Takeaways

• 🚨 A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a small plane crash that resulted in the deaths of a young woman and her instructor.
• ✈️ The crash occurred on May 26th shortly after takeoff from Palm Beach County Park Airport near Lantana.
• 🔍 The NTSB's focus is on the aileron and the pulley system of the wing, which is crucial for the plane's banking and turning capabilities.
• 🛠️ The report found that the pulley did not rotate freely due to corrosion and noted tension overload failures in the aileron control system.
• 🚫 The malfunctioning pulley meant the pilot could not arrest the bank, effectively losing control of the airplane during the flight.
• 👨‍✈️ Robert Katz, a veteran commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, emphasized the severity of the situation when an airplane is out of control.
• 📚 The airplane was recently purchased on May 4th, 2023, and there was an affidavit stating that the original maintenance logbooks were lost.
• 📅 The most recent inspection of the 42-year-old airplane was completed on September 22nd, 2022, raising questions about the thoroughness of maintenance checks.
• 🤔 The loss of maintenance logbooks is a significant concern, as they document the history and maintenance of the aircraft.
• 🔧 The NTSB report suggests that the aircraft's age is not inherently a problem, but proper maintenance is essential for its safe operation.
• 🗣️ The opinions expressed in the script are those of the pilot interviewed and should be considered as one perspective on the situation.

Q & A

What was the incident that occurred on May 26th involving a small plane?

A small plane crash occurred on May 26th, resulting in the death of a young woman named Elyse Mathias and her flight instructor Stanley Sands shortly after takeoff from Palm Beach County Park Airport near Lantana.

What was the focus of the early report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)?

The early report from the NTSB focused on the aileron and the pulley system of the plane, which is part of the wing system that helps the plane to bank and make turns.

What was the issue with the pulley system according to the NTSB report?

The NTSB report noted that the pulley did not rotate freely and corrosion was observed, indicating a malfunction in the system.

What does the malfunction of the pulley system imply for the pilot's control over the plane?

The malfunction implies that the pilot could not arrest the bank, meaning they could not bring the airplane back to level, resulting in a loss of control.

What concerns were raised by Robert Katz, a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, about the incident?

Robert Katz raised concerns about the plane's recent purchase, the missing maintenance logbooks, and the extensive corrosion found on the section cable, questioning how it could have been missed during inspections.

When was the airplane involved in the crash purchased?

The airplane was purchased on May 4th, 2023, just weeks before the crash.

What documentation was missing from the airplane that could have provided its maintenance history?

The original maintenance logbooks were missing, as indicated by an affidavit from the previous owner.

When was the most recent inspection of the airplane completed?

The most recent inspection was completed on September 22nd, 2022.

What is the significance of the airplane's age in this context?

The airplane's age of 42 years is not inherently a problem, but it highlights the importance of proper maintenance, especially given the missing logbooks and observed corrosion.

What is the role of the airplane's ownership in ensuring its safety?

The ownership is responsible for ensuring that the airplane remains airworthy and that all necessary maintenance is conducted to prevent such incidents.

What is the current status of the NTSB's findings on the crash?

The findings mentioned in the script are part of a preliminary report from the NTSB, suggesting that the investigation is ongoing and these are early conclusions.