On November 2, 2024, at Anchorage’s Lake Hood Airport, a Cub Crafters CC18-180 aircraft, operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, experienced a preventable accident that left the pilot with serious injuries and the airplane with substantial damage. The incident, now under investigation, underscores the critical importance of pre-flight inspections and attention to detail in aviation.
The Incident
The aircraft departed at 14:36 local time for a repositioning flight to Fairbanks, Alaska. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot realized the flight control stick could not move forward, causing the airplane to climb aggressively. Efforts to mitigate the issue using the elevator trim control failed, resulting in a stall. The subsequent uncontrolled descent ended with the airplane impacting the runway, coming to rest approximately 78 feet from the initial impact point.
What Went Wrong?
A post-accident inspection revealed a glaring oversight: the rear flight control stick had been installed in reverse. This improper installation caused the stick’s curve to face forward, limiting its movement by coming into contact with the pilot’s seatback. Consequently, the pilot was unable to move the elevator forward to correct for the steep climb.
The Human and Organizational Factors
This accident illustrates a failure in the basic principles of maintenance and inspection:
- Maintenance Oversight: Installing critical flight components incorrectly highlights a failure in maintenance procedures. To prevent this, all flight-critical systems should undergo a thorough review by a second qualified inspector before the aircraft is returned to service.
- Pre-flight Inspections: Pilots are trained to identify issues during pre-flight checks, but subtle problems, such as a reversed control stick, can go unnoticed without detailed preflight testing of the control surfaces.
- Operational Safety Culture: When government-operated aircraft are used, it’s crucial to create a culture where safety is always the top priority, even if it means taking more time or resources. Following consistent and standardized quality checks can help prevent mistakes like this from happening.
Preventing Similar Incidents
To avoid such accidents, the following steps are crucial:
- Thorough Maintenance Inspections: Aviation organizations should require rigorous double-checks for all flight critical systems.
- Continuous Training for Technicians and Pilots: Regular training programs should be provided to ensure maintenance staff and pilots can identify and resolve potential configuration errors effectively.
Conclusion
This accident was a stark reminder of how seemingly small oversights can lead to catastrophic outcomes in aviation. As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes its investigation, the industry must take heed of the lessons from this event to enhance safety and accountability. By prioritizing meticulous maintenance practices and fostering a robust safety culture, similar incidents can be avoided in the future.
NTSB Accident Number: ANC25LA008
