No fatalities

2 Jul 2011: TEMCO GC-1B — Sparta, TN

Sparta, TN, United States

On 2 Jul 2011, a TEMCO GC-1B was involved in an aviation accident near Sparta, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper installation of the right rudder control cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, an uncommanded left yaw could not be corrected, leading to an aborted takeoff. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, landing gear collapsed, damaging left wing spar. A failed nicopress fitting on the rudder cable was found.

Accident Summary

During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced an uncommanded left yaw that could not be corrected with control inputs. The pilot subsequently elected to abort the takeoff. During the rollout, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, and the landing gear collapsed. This resulted in substantial damage to the left wing spar.

Examination Findings

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The examination revealed that a nicopress fitting on the right rudder cable had failed and disconnected from its bell-crank. According to the inspector, the cable fitting had been pressed with an improper tool or technique during installation.

Maintenance History

The airplane's entire flight control system was refitted and re-rigged approximately 9 years prior to the accident. No additional maintenance issues were noted in the source.

Contributing factors

Incorrect service/maintenanceAttain/maintain not possibleMaintenance personnel