On July 12, 1998, a Forney 415-C (registration N99294) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurie, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to regain control due to jammed aileron and elevator controls during climb, with the cause of the jam undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft experienced control jamming during a left turn on climb-out, leading to an impact with trees and a post-impact fire. The cause of the jam remains undetermined.
What happened
The pilot reported that while executing a left turn toward the crosswind leg during the initial climb after takeoff, the aircraft's aileron and elevator controls suddenly became jammed. Despite efforts to regain control, the pilot was unable to maneuver the airplane before it struck trees and terrain. Following the impact, a fire ignited around the wreckage.
The investigation
An examination of the accident site and the damaged aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical state of the controls. However, the investigation failed to reveal the specific nature or cause of the jammed control surfaces.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to regain control due to jammed aileron and elevator controls during climb, with the cause of the jam undetermined.