What happened
On February 5, 2012, a Piper PA-18/150 (registration CS-AQN), operated by Aero Clube de Leiria, was conducting a local flight for a flight baptism mission at Aeródromo José Ferrinho. Following a standard landing on runway 02, the pilot intended to perform an additional circuit and applied power to initiate a new takeoff roll.
As the engine power increased, the aircraft began to deviate from the runway centerline due to torque and gyroscopic effects. The pilot attempted to apply right rudder to counteract this leftward tendency but found the controls unresponsive. Despite an immediate reduction in engine power, the aircraft veered off the paved surface and onto the left shoulder of the runway. The aircraft's left main landing gear struck an irregularity in the terrain, causing the gear to collapse. Consequently, the left wingtip and propeller blades struck the ground, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the mechanics of the flight controls and the cockpit environment. The investigation established that the aircraft was equipped with dual controls, which were fully functional and not inhibited. The investigation examined the actions of both the pilot and the passenger during the critical moments of the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to use the rudder pedals to counteract the engine's torque and gyroscopic effects, but encountered significant resistance.
- The passenger, experiencing high anxiety due to their first flight, had placed their feet on the rudder pedals and was applying heavy pressure.
- This physical obstruction prevented the pilot from moving the pedals sufficiently to maintain directional control.
- The aircraft's excursion was finalized when the left main gear struck a protrusion on the runway shoulder, leading to the gear collapse and subsequent contact between the airframe and the ground.