Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7HC near Centre, AL — 2009-04-04

Final reportERA09LA230
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Date
2009-04-04
Location
Centre, AL, USA
Airport
C22
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7HC
Registration
N8560E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control during climb due to an improperly installed rudder pedal control tube.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that during takeoff the airplane climbed to approximately 20 to 50 feet, rolled to the left into a steep bank angle, and then descended and collided with powerlines and a house. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the right rudder pedal control tube was missing the rod attachment bolt, retainer nut, and cotter pin. According to the airplane manufacturer the push pull tube system discovered during the examination was not installed at the factory and no record of the install was located in the airframe logbooks. Examination of the engine, additional flight control system components, and the aircraft structure revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Proper maintenance of the rudder control system could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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