Accident Sequence
Witnesses at the airport reported that shortly after the airplane lifted off Runway 16R, it immediately initiated a very tight 360-degree turn. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the area between Runway 16L and the adjacent taxiway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot, who is also a certified flight instructor, stated to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors that after liftoff, the airplane began turning to the left and trying to dive. He reported experiencing great difficulty in overriding the forces on the controls. The pilot noted that he was operating the airplane from the right front seat.
Wreckage Examination
FAA inspectors examined the wreckage and discovered that the right seat rudder pedal was collapsed to the floor. The inspector pulled the stowable rudder pedal into the flight position, and it locked in place. However, when hand pressure was applied to both pedals, the right pedal snapped into the retract position. This action was repeated several times with the same result. Upon disassembling the pedal, the inspector found that the pin receiving hole was worn oblong, which allowed the pin to disengage.