Aviation Accident Report: Standard Airways Flight 388C/Attachment B
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CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Honorable N. E. Halaby
Administrator
Federal Aviation Agency
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Mr Halaby
Current investigation of the accident involving Standard Airways L-1049G, N189S, at Manhattan, Kansas, on May 28, 1963, has revealed that the No. 3 propeller inadvertently went into the reverse range. Detailed inspection indicated that the brake cage locking bolt necessary to prevent rotation and disengagement from the outer brake solenoid was missing. Consequently, the cage backed off several turns rendering the brake ineffective in preventing centrifugally induced low blade angles in the reverse range.
In addition to this discrepancy, the No. 2 powerplant had the cannon plugs for the left and right cowl flaps safety-wired backwards and the cannon plug for the magneto not safetied. The No. 4 engine did not have either the No. 3 PRT turbine wheel nut or the left distributor adjustment nut safetied; in addition, there was no magnetic plug in the rear sump (pressure side) as prescribed by the maintenance manual of the air carrier.
This brief review of the mechanical discrepancies on this aircraft indicates unsatisfactory maintenance and overhaul practices. The Board therefore recommends that the maintenance and overhaul procedures and practices of Standard Airways and any other maintenance agencies involved be reviewed for compliance with current regulations and accepted practices.
Mr. D. Ballard, FAA coordinator, and Mr. J. J. Rotelli, FAA member of the Powerplant Committee, both from your Kansas City Air Carrier Office, are aware of and familiar with the discrepancies that have been noted.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Alan S. Boyd
Chairman
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FEDERAL AVIATION AGENCY
Washington 25, D. C.
OFFICE OF
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Dear Mr. Chairman
In reply to your letter of June 10, 1963, reference number B-1-96, we have requested our Western Region to review the maintenance and overhaul procedures of Standard Airways, Incorporated, and any other contract agencies involved in the maintenance of their aircraft, as you have recommended.
We understand that a review of Standard Airways' main base facilities and maintenance procedures was accomplished subsequent to the Manhattan, Kansas, accident. We will keep you informed of their findings as they are reported to this office.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ N. E. Halaby
Administrator
Honorable Alan S. Boyd
Chairman
Civil Aeronautics Board
Washington 25, D. C.