On 20 May 2018, a PIPER PA 14 NO SERIES operated by KANAKANAK FISHERIES INC. was involved in an aviation accident near Vashon, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll due to his right foot inadvertently applying pressure to both rudder pedals. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot inadvertently applied pressure to both rudder pedals, causing the airplane to exit the runway, strike a tree, and sustain substantial damage.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the takeoff roll at night, his right foot inadvertently applied pressure to both the right and left rudder pedals. This caused the airplane to veer left and exit the runway. The left wing subsequently struck a tree, and the airplane ground-looped to the left. During the ground loop, the right wing tip contacted the ground.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, the elevator, and the rudder.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotUnintentional use/operationDirectional control — Not attained/maintained