Accident Overview
On May 5, 2008, at approximately 1608 Alaska daylight time, a Champion 7ECA airplane, registration N9650S, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during the takeoff-initial climb from a private airstrip in Soldotna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The solo pilot, who held a private certificate, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Statement
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on May 7, 2008, the pilot stated that he had forgotten to remove the rudder gust lock prior to takeoff. As a result, he had no rudder control during the takeoff, and the airplane drifted into the trees. The pilot reported that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Aircraft Damage
The Champion 7ECA (tail number N9650S) received substantial damage to its wings and fuselage as a result of the collision with trees. No other injuries or damage were reported.
Investigation Status
The NTSB investigated the accident. The pilot's admission of forgetting to remove the rudder gust lock was documented, but no probable cause was formally stated in the preliminary source.