What happened
On April 14, 2006, at approximately 11:30 local time, a CASA 1131-E (Bucker), registration EC-DAU, was performing a local pleasure flight from Sabadell Airport in Barcelona. As the pilot was positioned at the head of runway 31, having received takeoff clearance, the engine was set to full power to gain sufficient speed to lift the tail.
Due to a 6-knot crosswind from 50 degrees, the pilot was actively compensating with rudder and aileron inputs. During this maneuver, the pilot experienced a sudden, strong jerk, and the right rudder pedal moved to its limit. This caused the aircraft to veer left while skidding toward the right. Consequently, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid several meters along the runway before coming to a stop. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained one fatality.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the rudder control system. The aircraft, a taildragger, utilizes pedals connected to the rudder via flexible steel cables. These cables are secured to the rudder using a specialized sleeve known as a "Nicopress" ferrule.
Inspectors examined the connection point and confirmed the pilot's observation that the right-side rudder control cable had become detached from the rudder. The investigation specifically looked at the installation of the Nicopress sleeve, which requires precise compression using specific tools and a standardized sequence to ensure a secure bond. The sleeve in question had been installed for approximately 200 flight hours.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of directional control resulting from the failure of the steel cable connection to the rudder.
- The failure was specifically attributed to the loosening of the Nicopress sleeve at the connection point.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the main landing gear, the propeller, and the lower fuselage.