Aileron Cable Misconnection During Maintenance Flight Check (N79GL)

Event Description

The airplane had recently undergone refurbishment and required a maintenance flight check before release. The pilot conducted a preflight inspection, checking the flight controls for freedom of movement. The pilot observed aileron movement in the up and down directions but did not notice that the movement was incorrect. After using normal takeoff procedures, during rotation, the airplane’s left wing began to drop to the left. The pilot applied right aileron input, but there was no effect. The airplane subsequently struck the left edge of the runway in a left-wing-low attitude, and the left wing impacted a taxi sign.

Examination Results

An examination of the airplane revealed that the aileron cables were incorrectly connected at the turnbuckles in the wheelwell. The aircraft maintenance manual contained the following warning: "Visually check to assure that aileron travel responds properly to the control wheel movement. When the control wheel is turned right, the right aileron should move up and the left aileron should move down."