What happened
Following a recent annual inspection, a maintenance test flight was being conducted when the pilot experienced ineffective aileron control. The pilot reported that the right aileron appeared to be disconnected, moving up and down without any response to control inputs.
While executing a right turn, the pilot found himself unable to bring up the right wing. As the aircraft began losing altitude, the pilot elected to land the airplane on soft, plowed ground. During the landing sequence, the right wing made contact with the ground.
The investigation
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the right aileron pushrod end bearing bolt had been installed in the bellcrank; however, the bolt did not actually pass through the rod end bearing. Maintenance records indicated that the aileron pushrod end bearings had been replaced during the recent annual inspection because they exhibited excessive play. No other anomalies were identified regarding the aircraft or its systems.