Primary finding
Probable cause
Design stress limits of the aircraft were exceeded.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
It was reported several months after the occurrence, that wrinkles in the skin were found near the empennage during a preflight check. Further inspection revealed that the aft bulkhead and stringers were damaged. The pilot reported that the airplane had been repainted, then underwent an annual inspection. The airplane had been flown approximately two hours after the annual inspection. Several days after the last flight, the pilot noted the wrinkles in the fuselage. A mechanic inspected the airplane and reported that the balance of both ruddervators was found to be within limits as specified in the BEECH maintenance manual. The pilot does not recall any time in which the airplane was operated beyond the aircraft operating specifications.
Source record
Factual narrative
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