What happened
The pilot was conducting a high-speed taxi check when the aircraft unexpectedly lifted off the ground, reaching an altitude of approximately five feet above the surface. Immediately after leaving the runway, the aircraft began to yaw to the left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder input to correct the heading. However, this control input caused the aircraft to veer further to the left rather than correcting the turn. The aircraft subsequently crashed into an adjacent onion field.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the flight control system was conducted following the accident. Inspectors discovered that the rudder control cables had been cross-rigged. This installation error occurred after the cables had been removed and subsequently reinstalled during previous maintenance work. The incorrect routing prevented the rudder from functioning as intended, causing the aircraft to respond in the opposite direction of the pilot's inputs.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the improper rigging of the rudder control cables. This mechanical error rendered the rudder ineffective for directional control during the critical phase of flight. The cross-rigged cables caused the aircraft to yaw further left when right rudder was applied, leading directly to the loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of verifying the correct installation and rigging of flight control cables during maintenance procedures. Proper verification ensures that control surfaces respond correctly to pilot inputs, preventing catastrophic failures during flight operations.