What happened
During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the pilot encountered a control issue as the tail section of the airplane lifted off the runway surface. To maintain directional alignment with the runway centerline, the pilot applied left rudder input. However, the left rudder pedal became locked in place, preventing further control adjustment. As a result, the aircraft deviated from the intended path and groundlooped to the right.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the rudder system to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the event. The inspection did not reveal any anomalies or defects in the rudder mechanism that would have caused the pedal lock. No other mechanical issues were identified during the review.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the loss of directional control was the left rudder pedal lock during the critical takeoff phase. The inability to adjust yaw control resulted in a groundloop to the right. While the exact cause of the pedal lock remains undetermined, the mechanical components appeared functional post-incident.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that intermittent control jams can occur without prior warning. Regular preflight inspections and awareness of control feel during ground operations are essential for early detection of potential issues.