Accident Overview
During takeoff, shortly after lifting off, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane rolled to the right, and the right wing struck the ground. According to the pilot, rudder authority was abruptly lost. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and came to rest inverted.
Contributing Conditions
At the time of the takeoff, a 10-knot quartering tailwind was present. An examination of the airplane revealed that the rudder cable had separated at the fuselage pulley. Metallurgical examination of the separated cable showed extensive fatigue cracking in the individual wires.
Maintenance History
A review of maintenance records indicated that Airworthiness Directive 72-06-02 required recurrent inspections of the rudder cable every 100 hours. Compliance with this AD was documented at the last annual inspection. Since that inspection, the airplane had been operated for approximately 65 hours.