This is the only fatality I am aware of at Avenal, and the
only ruddervator mechanism-related T-tail fatality I have read.

NTSB Identification: LAX92LA393 .
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 48074.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, September 18, 1992 in AVENAL, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/14/1993
Aircraft: SPARKS-SCHREDER HP-140V, registration: N704B
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

Prob cause:
" THE LOSS OF PITCH AND YAW CONTROL DUE TO THE SEPARATION OF THE
RUDDERVATOR CONTROL CABLE FROM ITS CLEVIS FORK DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION."

In article ,
Peter Wyld wrote:
At 08:54 28 October 2004, Marian_Aldenhövel wrote:
Hi,

Thank you all, I have learned a lot. I have also come
up
with two more things to consider, both rather minor
I suspect:

- The control linkages are propably more complicated
in a T-Tail (con).
- With a T-Tail you can build the elevator in one
piece so you
can rig and derig more easily (pro).

Now why are we not seeing more V-Tails? The main pro
for T-Tails
seem to be:

- Good ground clearance
- Less drag
- Operates in clean undisturbed air

How does a V-Tail stand up against that?


Complicated mixing box required for elevator/rudder
control.




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Mark J. Boyd