Incident Description
While climbing through approximately 400 to 500 feet after takeoff, the pilot made a slight right turn followed by a left bank. After moving the control stick for the left bank, the stick jammed to the left and its fore and aft movement became restricted. The pilot applied full right rudder and alternated between full and partial power, placing the aircraft in a skid. Subsequently, the aircraft descended and struck a power line estimated to be 60 to 70 feet high, then came to rest in a field.
Examination Findings
An examination of the aircraft revealed a plastic fuel sampler and a cloth pitot cover with a metal clip in the belly of the fuselage. Markings were found that verified the sampler had wedged between the control stick interconnect tube and the fuselage structure. When the sampler was placed in that position after the accident, the controls would jam as described by the pilot.
Further examination for possible sources of foreign objects revealed openings at both boot covers for the control sticks. Both boot covers were deteriorated. Additionally, there was a 2-foot cutout where the upper elevator control cable extended upward from the floorboard at the rear bulkhead.