Primary finding
Probable cause
Improper installation of the rudder trim actuator rod by company maintenance personnel which resulted in binding and fracture of the rod.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During climb out, the crew noticed an unusual airframe vibration, and returned to the departure airport. FAA inspectors determined that the rudder trim actuator rod had been improperly installed, allowing it to bind and eventually fracture.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 16, 1995, approximately 0805 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Fairchild SA-227, N385PH, experienced a failure of a rudder trim rod while climbing out from Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco, Washington. There were no injuries to the two crew members and their five passengers, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage. The FAR Part 135 revenue flight, which was en route to Portland International Airport, Portland, Oregon, was in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. The scheduled passenger flight was on an IFR flight plan, and there was no ELT activation involved in this incident. According to a representative of Horizon Airlines, the crew noticed an unusual airframe vibration after the departure from Pasco. They therefore elected to return to the Tri-Cities Airport, where they discovered that the rudder trim rod had failed. FAA inspectors determined that the actuator rod had been improperly installed by company maintenance personnel, and it had been binding before it fractured and failed. -