Accident Details
On July 15, 2011, at approximately 2041 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Murphy Elite, registration N113SM, was substantially damaged following a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain at Genesee Airport (GVQ) in Batavia, New York. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that this was the first flight after the airplane had been "rebuilt." He intended to remain in the local traffic pattern. After performing a preflight inspection and several ground run-ups of the engine, a high-speed taxi was completed. All appeared normal, so he initiated a takeoff on runway 10. When the airplane was about 8 to 10 inches off the ground, the pilot felt the airplane being pulled up and to the left. He lost control, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted on an embankment off the left side of the runway. The engine stalled after the airplane became inverted.
Wreckage Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and confirmed structural damage to the fuselage and empennage. Flight control continuity was established to the rudder and elevator. The end of the aileron control rod was fractured, and the broken parts were retained for further examination.
The fractured aileron control rod parts were sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The parts consisted of a male rod end manufactured by Aurora Bearing Company, part number MM-4M. Examination revealed fracture features and macroscopic deformation consistent with overstress failure. Shank thread deformation was consistent with cantilever bending.