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Episode 142

The NTSB has issued an urgent aviation safety recommendation for all operators of DHC-3 Otters to conduct an immediate one-time inspection of the horizontal stabilizer actuator lock ring. This is the result of the NTSB’s initial findings in the ongoing investigation of the Sept. 4, 2022, crash of a De Havilland Canada DHC-3 in Mutiny Bay, Washington.

Wreckage recovered from this accident reveals evidence related to the horizontal stabilizer actuator. The actuator has two parts that were screwed together and secured with a circular wire lock ring. It appears the lock ring was not seated properly. The two barrel sections unscrewed, leading to a loss of pitch trim control and the loss of the aircraft.

John and Todd explore the ways that components are kept from coming loose in airplanes, including the lock ring that is the subject of this safety recommendation. Get their insider view of the preliminary findings, possible causes of this crash, and probable next steps in the NTSB investigation.

They also talk about the implications for anyone involves in this crash that resulted in loss of life. No one wants to make a mistake, especially one that causes a crash.

Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:

• NTSB Preliminary Report
• NTSB Investigative update
• NTSB Safety Recommendation
• Press release about the inspection recommendation
• NTSB investigation page

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