On May 16, 1999, a Piper PA-20 (registration N8883C) operated by Albert W. Ball, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove the rudder gust lock prior to flight, which resulted in a loss of directional control during taxi. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft sustained substantial damage to its empennage after the pilot lost directional control during taxi and executed an unintended sharp turn, later found to be caused by a rudder gust lock left in place.
What happened
The pilot reported that while taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane for takeoff, the aircraft failed to steer correctly. Due to the loss of directional control, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and return to the parking area. While maneuvering back toward the parking spot, the airplane executed an unintended 270-degree turn to the left. This uncontrolled rotation resulted in substantial damage to the empennage.
The investigation
A postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the rudder gust lock was still installed on the tail during the flight operation. The presence of this device prevented proper rudder function, which is critical for directional control on the ground, particularly in tailwheel-equipped aircraft where steering relies heavily on differential braking and rudder input.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor contributing to the accident was the installation of the rudder gust lock while the aircraft was being operated. This mechanical constraint directly led to the loss of directional control during taxi, resulting in the uncontrolled turn and subsequent damage to the empennage. The pilot's decision to return to parking was a direct response to the inability to steer the aircraft effectively.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove the rudder gust lock prior to flight, which resulted in a loss of directional control during taxi.