Casualties unknown

Pilot's Boot Catches on Aileron Cable During Go-Around, Aircraft Strikes Airport Sign (N9237E)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On April 17, 1994, a Maule M5-235C (registration N9237E) operated by Lewis, Nancy H. was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HER FOOT INTERFERED AND RESTRICTED THE MOVEMENT OF THE RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, a pilot's boot toe caught on an aileron cable while trying to remove her foot from the right rudder pedal. She initiated a go-around, but the aircraft collided with an airport sign shortly after becoming airborne.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a control interference event during a landing rollout. After touching down, she applied the right rudder pedal to align the airplane with the runway centerline. When she attempted to remove her foot from the rudder pedal, the toe of her boot became hung up on an aileron cable that runs alongside the elevator control tube.

Sequence of Events

Realizing that the airplane was about to depart the side of the runway, the pilot applied power to execute a go-around. Just after becoming airborne, the aircraft collided with an airport sign. No further details about the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Contributing Factors

The source does not explicitly state a probable cause for the incident. The event chain involves a mechanical interference between the pilot's footwear and the aileron cable, which impeded normal rudder pedal operation and led to an off-runway excursion and subsequent collision during the go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1994 Maule M5-235C accident near Fairbanks, AK?

After landing, a pilot's boot toe caught on an aileron cable while trying to remove her foot from the right rudder pedal. She initiated a go-around, but the aircraft collided with an airport sign shortly after becoming airborne.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1994 involved a Maule M5-235C, registration N9237E, operated by Lewis, Nancy H., at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HER FOOT INTERFERED AND RESTRICTED THE MOVEMENT OF THE RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01020. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.