Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane had climbed to approximately 30 feet above ground level, it began a right turn. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation but the airplane did not respond to control inputs. In response, the pilot reduced engine power and lowered the aircraft's pitch attitude. Despite these actions, the right wing struck the ground, followed by the right main landing gear. The airplane then ground looped before coming to a complete stop.
Post-Accident Examination
A detailed examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that both ailerons were rigged improperly. Specifically, the aileron control cables had been attached to the wrong side of the bellcranks. This misrigging rendered the aileron controls ineffective for the pilot's intended inputs.
Aircraft History
The flight in which the accident occurred was the first flight of the airplane after it had undergone an annual inspection. That inspection had been performed on July 19, 1996.