AAIB investigation to Piper J3C-65 Cub, G-CGIY
Rudder partially detached due to upper hinge falling apart, en route from Gamston Airport to Leeds East Airport, 12 May 2018.
Summary:
The aircraft was en route from Gamston Airport near Retford to Leeds East Airport when the pilot noticed a vibration on the rudder pedals. This was followed by an uncommanded yaw and a jolt through the pedals. Several seconds later the pilot heard a loud bang with a violent nose-down pitch. The pilot slowed the aircraft, regained control and, looking behind, observed that the rudder appeared to be displaced. He informed Leeds East of the problem and landed without further incident. The partial rudder detachment and the resultant handling difficulties were caused by the loss of the rudder upper hinge pin and bushes. It is not known how the pin and bushes worked loose but their loss would have been prevented had the specified upper washer been in place.
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