On September 1, 1992, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7317D) operated by Stanley, Leroy Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisburg, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PASSENGER'S INADVERTENT INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane on an aerial photography mission experienced yaw control issues. The pilot made a forced landing. Investigation found no anomalies, but the pilot suspected passenger interference.
Incident
An airplane conducting aerial photography was in cruise flight at an altitude of 6500 feet when it yawed to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but it was not fully effective. Upon releasing the rudder, the airplane yawed further to the left. Aileron control remained sufficient to guide the airplane to a forced landing in a field.
Investigation
Examination of the flight control system and the nose wheel steering system revealed no anomalies. The cause of the yaw behavior was not identified through mechanical inspection.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he believed the passenger, who was conducting the photography, had inadvertently interfered with the flight controls.
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