On August 21, 1982, a Maule BEE DEE M-4 (registration N4170C) operated by Thomas R. Rogers was involved in an aviation accident near Yakima, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reversal of the aileron balance and control cables to the aileron horns during recent rebuilding of the aircraft, which resulted in an uncontrollable left roll during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an uncontrollable left roll immediately after becoming airborne during takeoff. Investigation revealed that aileron balance and control cables had been reversed to the aileron horns during a recent rebuild.
The pilot reported that just as he became airborne, an uncontrollable left roll developed. The left wing contacted the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled.
An investigation revealed that the aileron balance and control cables were reversed to the aileron horns during recent rebuilding of the aircraft.
The reversal of the aileron balance and control cables to the aileron horns during recent rebuilding of the aircraft, which resulted in an uncontrollable left roll during takeoff.