AAIB investigation to Cessna 152, G-BSZW
Loss of rudder control in-flight, Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire, 24 February 2024
During an instructional flight the aircraft suffered a loss of right rudder authority. The instructor took control and landed the aircraft safely. Examination revealed that the right rudder bellcrank had failed due to stress corrosion cracking, causing the right rudder cable to detach. The cracking initiated at a point where the inboard edge of the bellcrank had been fouling against the aircraft fuselage. The exact reason for the fouling condition was not determined, but several possibilities that could result in misalignment of the rudder or the bellcrank were considered.
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Published 12 June 2025