What happened
During a scheduled cargo flight from Nakina, Ontario, to Fort Hope, a Cessna 208B Caravan experienced a loss of control during its takeoff roll. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, the pilot noted a significant yaw to the right. Despite applying left rudder and left aileron to compensate, the yaw intensified as the nosewheel lifted. The aircraft became airborne at approximately 85 knots but remained difficult to manage. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft descended into a snow-covered lake located just beyond the runway end. The impact caused the aircraft to flip, coming to rest in an inverted position approximately 1,000 feet past the runway. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to walk from the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the propeller blades bent from contact with snow and ice, and the rudder and vertical stabilizer were crushed. A critical discrepancy was discovered regarding the rudder trim system. While the rudder trim indicator showed a position slightly to the right of center, the actual rudder trim was found at nearly the full left position.
Technical examination revealed that the rudder trim indicator could be moved independently of the actual trim setting. This was due to the indicator's follower arm being out of its proper groove in the trim wheel, allowing the pointer to be manipulated without changing the rudder's physical position. Furthermore, the investigation found that during the pre-flight checklist, the pilot did not rotate the trim wheel through its full range of travel, which is required by the manual.
Findings
- The aircraft's takeoff weight and center of gravity were within approved limits.
- The pilot did not perform the full-travel rudder trim check required by the checklist.
- The rudder trim indicator was capable of being moved without affecting the actual rudder position.
- The pilot experienced directional control difficulties likely because the rudder trim was actually set to near full left, despite the indicator showing a different position.