Introduction
On 5 February 2012 at 15:30 UTC, a Piper PA-18/150 (Super Cub) with registration CS-AQN, operated by Aero Clube de Leiria, was involved in a runway excursion during takeoff at Aeródromo José Ferrinho, Leiria. The aircraft was on a local leisure flight as part of a promotional introductory flight initiative, carrying one pilot and one passenger.
Sequence of Events
After landing on runway 02, the pilot allowed the aircraft to roll a few meters and then applied takeoff power for another traffic pattern. As the aircraft began to deviate from the runway centerline, the pilot attempted to correct direction but found the rudder pedals immovable. He immediately reduced power but could not prevent the aircraft from exiting the asphalt onto the left shoulder. The left main landing gear leg collapsed, and the left wing tip and propeller struck the ground.
Occupants and Damage
Both occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller blades, landing gear, and left wing tip.
Weather Conditions
At the time, wind was from the north at 10 km/h with gusts between 15 and 30 km/h, shifting to northwest later in the afternoon. No precipitation was recorded. The air temperature was 12°C, and the sea-level pressure was 1037 hPa.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-18/150 (serial number 7723), manufactured in 1961. It had a total of 4850:40 airframe hours. The engine was a Lycoming O-320-A2B. The aircraft held an airworthiness certificate valid until 11 January 2012 and had undergone its last 100-hour inspection on 28 October 2011.
The rudder control is linked to the tailwheel for directional control on the ground. The aircraft was equipped with dual controls, which were not removed or inhibited for the flight.