On 20 Dec 2015, a DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE was involved in an aviation accident near Middle River, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper installation of the rudder control horn, which reversed the rudder control input. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, an experimental amateur-built airplane veered left, stalled three feet above the runway, and impacted nose-first. Post-accident inspection revealed the rudder control horn was installed upside down, reversing rudder input.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of an experimental amateur-built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left. As the airplane approached the left edge of the runway, the pilot rotated the airplane in an attempt to become airborne. However, the airplane aerodynamically stalled three feet above the runway and then impacted the runway nose first.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, the pilot performed an inspection of the airplane with the assistance of another pilot. The inspection discovered that the rudder control horn had been installed upside down. This improper installation reversed the rudder control input. When right rudder input was needed during takeoff to overcome the airplane's left turning tendency caused by the engine and propeller, pressing the right rudder pedal made the airplane turn left. The pilot recommended that he verify proper control connections after maintenance.
Probable cause
Improper installation of the rudder control horn, which reversed the rudder control input.