Accident Overview
On January 6, 2012, at about 1215 central standard time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C-180, registration N11HY, impacted terrain during an aborted landing on runway 35 at Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (Y23), Chetek, Wisconsin. The runway was 3,401 feet by 60 feet of dry asphalt. The certificated private pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and firewall. The airplane was registered to Aerosource LLC and 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 for the local flight that originated from Y23 at 1115.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he briefed his grandson to keep clear of the control stick. They departed on a local flight with his grandson seated in the rear seat. After returning to the departure airport, the pilot aborted the landing due to a gust of wind that pushed the airplane toward the right side of the runway. Following liftoff from the aborted landing, the control stick moved uncommanded to the right and aft at about 100 feet above ground level. The pilot was unable to move the control stick. The airplane subsequently entered a "hard" right descending turn and then impacted the ground.
Pilot Observations and Recommendations
The pilot noted that the control stick is "quite large," and the rear seat is not adjustable. He recommended that passengers be briefed and reminded to keep their feet and legs clear of the control stick. He also suggested that the control stick be removed when small children and new passengers are aboard.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.