Pilot Debrief

DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE near Middle River, MD — 2015-12-20

Final reportGAA16CA088
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Date
2015-12-20
Location
Middle River, MD, USA
Airport
MTN
Aircraft
DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE
Registration
N853WD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect installation of the rudder horn and failure to properly inspect the installation, which led to a loss of directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane veered to the left. As the airplane neared the left edge of the runway, the pilot rotated the airplane in an attempt to be come airborne, but the airplane aerodynamically stalled three feet above the runway and then impacted the runway nose first. The pilot reported that he performed a post-accident inspection of the airplane with the assistance of another pilot, and he discovered that he installed the rudder control horn upside down. The improper installation reversed the rudder control input. When right rudder input was needed during takeoff to overcome the airplane's left turning tendency precipitated by the engine and propeller, pushing on the right rudder pedal made the airplane turn left. The pilot recommended that he verify proper control connections after maintenance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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