Cessna 172-S | N22088

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be improper maintenance and inspection by the aircraft rental company maintenance personnel. The Pilot radioed “mayday mayday” after departure, and claimed loss of control. Then 20 seconds later issued another final mayday call. The impact site was not indicative of a stall spin entry, The aileron cables were found to have been severely worn and stranded, and the right aileron cable was likely severed during flight.

Probable Cause issued 9/10/2026 – 21 months after the accident: Maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the airplane, which resulted in inflight the failure of the right aileron carry through cable due to wear, reduced effectiveness of the airplane’s ailerons, and a subsequent loss of control.

The DTSB recommends that all maintenance personal pay very close attention to aircraft cables and pulleys during all inspections, and to remove and replace any components that are found to be less than standard.