What happened
The accident occurred during a night flight operation involving a private pilot receiving dual instruction from a certified flight instructor (CFI). The pilot was seated in the left seat while the instructor occupied the right seat. At the time of the incident, twelve out of thirty-three runway edge lights were inoperative, resulting in reduced visibility and situational awareness on the dark night.
During the ground maneuver, the aircraft encountered a bump on the runway surface. This disturbance caused the airplane to veer to the left. Both occupants reported applying right rudder and braking inputs simultaneously in an attempt to correct the trajectory. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued its leftward deviation, striking a runway light fixture, a nearby pole, and finally a hangar.
The investigation
Following the collision, a mechanic conducted a detailed examination of the aircraft's control systems, specifically focusing on the rudder and brake mechanisms. The inspection revealed a critical mechanical interference issue within the cockpit layout.
When the pilot in the right seat applied full right rudder input, the physical movement of the controls caused the right brake pedal to contact the firewall. This contact prevented the right brake from being fully applied by either the instructor or the student pilot. Consequently, the braking capability was significantly compromised at a critical moment when maximum deceleration and directional control were required.
Findings
The investigation identified several contributing factors to the accident sequence:
- Mechanical interference: The right brake pedal contacting the firewall during full right rudder application prevented full right brake application.
- Inoperative lighting: Twelve of thirty-three runway edge lights were not functioning, reducing visual cues during night operations.
- Runway surface irregularity: A bump on the runway triggered the initial veer that necessitated immediate corrective action.
The combination of reduced visual references and the mechanical failure to apply full braking force contributed to the loss of directional control. The aircraft's inability to stop or correct its path in time led to the collision with stationary objects.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of verifying control system functionality during pre-flight inspections, particularly regarding potential interference between pedal movements. Pilots operating in low-visibility conditions must remain aware of runway lighting status and exercise increased caution during ground maneuvers.