On October 3, 2013, a VENABLES ZENITH CH701 was involved in an aviation accident near Snohomish, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A jammed rudder control while maneuvering in the pattern for reasons that could not be determined. No follow-up examination was conducted due to a lapse in agency funding and subsequent government shutdown. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During a test flight, the airplane experienced moderate turbulence and a sudden loss of control. The pilot regained control at 500 feet but made an emergency landing; the aircraft nosed over after hitting obstructions.
Accident Sequence
A pilot reported that during a test flight, the airplane encountered moderate turbulence. The pilot decided to return to the airport for landing. While turning to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane suddenly banked sharply and descended uncontrollably. The pilot regained control approximately 500 feet above ground level and managed to turn the airplane to the downwind leg. However, the pilot continued to have difficulty maintaining control and decided to make an emergency off-airport landing to a field.
Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane collided with obstructions and nosed over. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
After the accident, the pilot reported that the loss of aircraft control was due to a jammed rudder for undetermined reasons.
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