Accident Overview
On May 27, 2015, at approximately 1405 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8KCAB airplane, registration N102EC, experienced a loss of control authority and impacted terrain during a forced landing near the Richard I Bong Airport (SUW) in Superior, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot and a passenger were not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed without a flight plan.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the flight proceeded normally until after the second touch-and-go landing. The aircraft was climbing from the runway when it began an uncommanded left bank. The pilot perceived that the ailerons were jammed and attempted to regain control, but was unsuccessful. Additionally, the airplane would not climb. When the aircraft was about 100 feet above ground level, the pilot executed a forced landing onto airport property. The forward fuselage was substantially damaged during the landing.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and discovered a 9-volt battery lodged in the lower right aileron bellcrank. The pilot reported that the battery was of the same brand he used for his headset. He had changed batteries in flight several days earlier and believed he had accounted for all of them.