Accident Summary
The airplane lifted off the runway at about 70 knots, having used approximately three-quarters of the 3,500-foot-long runway. The pilot/owner was flying from the right seat. As the airplane reached an altitude of 20-25 feet, the right control wheel separated in the pilot's hands. The pilot reduced engine power to idle, but the airplane rolled to the right, impacted a tree, and came to rest inverted on the ground.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the fracture surface on the shaft of the control wheel revealed features consistent with an overstress separation. No evidence of fatigue cracking or any other preexisting cracking or deterioration was observed. The upper portion of the fracture intersected the upper hole at approximately a 45-degree angle, which is indicative of torsional loading of the shaft as it fractured. The torsional loading direction corresponded to the handle portion of the wheel turning to the left (counterclockwise).
According to statements from the pilot/owner and a pilot-rated passenger seated in the left seat, the control lock had been installed on the control wheel and was removed during the preflight inspection.