LA GRANGE, GA, USA
N4506F
PIPER PA-28-151
THE PIC STATED HE HAD A HARDOVER IN THE SINGLE AXIS AUTOPILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT CONSTANTLY TURNING RIGHT. THEREFORE DUE TO THE CONTINOUS BANK HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A LAKE VERSUS ON LAND. THE ACFT IMPACTED IN A LAKE LEFT OF THE PLANNED COURSE. THE ROLL SERVO WAS DESIGNED SO THAT WHEN POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE SERVO A SPRING DISENGAGED THE SERVO FROM THE AILERON BRIDLE CABLE. THE SPRING WAS FOUND FUNCTIONAL AFTER RECOVERY OF THE ACFT FROM THE LAKE. WITNESSES RPTED SEEING THE ACFT FLYING ABOUT 10-15 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE SURFACE FOR ABOUT ONE QUARTER MILE. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED A BRIDGE IT PULLED UP ABRUPTLY, STALLED, AND IMPACTED THE WATER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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