Pilot Debrief

Champion 7ECA near Soldotna, AK — 2008-05-06

Final reportANC08LA061
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Date
2008-05-06
Location
Soldotna, AK, USA
Aircraft
Champion 7ECA
Registration
N9650S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to remove the rudder gust lock prior to the flight.

NTSB narrative

The solo private pilot was departing from a private gravel runway on a personal cross-country flight when he lost directional control. The pilot said the airplane drifted off the runway during takeoff/initial climb and impacted trees. The airplane then impacted terrain in a steep nose low attitude. The pilot said he had neglected to remove the rudder gust lock, and that once airborne, he was unable to control the airplane's direction of flight. The airplane received structural damage to both wings and the fuselage.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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