Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a touch-and-go landing experienced a sudden movement of their seat when the locking pin disengaged. The seat slid to its full aft position, prompting the pilot to attempt to move it forward while simultaneously holding onto the control yoke. During this maneuver, the aircraft rolled to the left and subsequently struck the terrain.
Inspection Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed that Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2, which mandates a visual inspection of the seat track, had been previously complied with. The compliance was recorded on December 18, 1997, as part of the last annual inspection. Following the accident, an FAA Airworthiness Inspector examined both the seat track and the locking pin, finding no discrepancies.
Sequence of Events
The precise sequence began when the pilot initiated the touch-and-go. At some point during the landing or the subsequent takeoff phase, the seat locking pin released, allowing the seat to slide backward. The pilot's efforts to regain a forward seating position while maintaining control of the aircraft led to an unintended left roll, culminating in impact with the ground.
Aircraft and Equipment
No specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration number, or engine configuration were provided in the source. The incident occurred during daylight hours, but the exact time, weather conditions, and location remain unspecified. The number of occupants and their status were also not disclosed.
Investigation Conclusion
The source does not assign a probable cause to the incident. While the seat locking pin malfunction is noted, the post-accident inspection showed the seat track and pin to be free of defects, and the previous compliance with the AD was confirmed. No causal factors or contributing elements are stated.