On June 27, 2007, an Evektor-aerotechnik AS SPORTSTAR (registration N812EV) operated by Aviation Service Group Llc (avserve) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent use of the wrong rudder during initial climb which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landings, a sudden crosswind lifted the airplane's wing, causing the pilot's foot to slip from the right rudder pedal onto the copilot's left pedal, resulting in a veer and ground impact.
Accident Details
The pilot of a light sport airplane was practicing touch-and-go landings when a sudden crosswind from the right lifted the airplane's wing abruptly. The pilot reported that his foot slid off the right rudder pedal and unknowingly onto the copilot's left rudder pedal. Depressing that pedal caused the airplane to veer left and depart the runway while airborne. The pilot stated he was unable to straighten the nose back to the original heading or lift the left wing with what he believed was right rudder input, and the left wing impacted the ground.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the right rudder pedal was positioned too close to the copilot's left rudder, with no partition separating them. The rudder pedals lacked foot guards to prevent feet from sliding off. The pilot emphasized that prior to the accident, there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems. The pilot believes the sequence of events was initiated by the crosswind and the pedal configuration.
What happened in the 27 Jun 2007 Evektor-aerotechnik AS SPORTSTAR accident near Greenville, SC?
During touch-and-go landings, a sudden crosswind lifted the airplane's wing, causing the pilot's foot to slip from the right rudder pedal onto the copilot's left pedal, resulting in a veer and ground impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jun 2007 involved an Evektor-aerotechnik AS SPORTSTAR, registration N812EV, operated by Aviation Service Group Llc (avserve), at Greenville, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent use of the wrong rudder during initial climb which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the ground.
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