Landing Incident: Rudder Stiffness Reported, No Mechanical Anomalies Found

Incident Details

An instructor and a student pilot were conducting takeoff and landing practice. On the second landing, when the airplane touched down, it veered sharply to the right. The instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to stop the turn by applying full left rudder. She reported that the rudder pedal was too stiff. The airplane then departed the side of the runway and struck a dirt berm, which damaged the firewall and empennage.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the airplane revealed the presence of a significant amount of debris and loose objects in the cabin. However, there was no physical evidence that the rudder pedals had been jammed or impeded. A functional test of the rudder pedals, brakes, and landing gear fork was conducted and showed no mechanical anomalies.