What happened
On 27 March 2014, an aircraft operated by the Government of Haryana was scheduled for a flight from Chandigarh to Delhi. The flight was scheduled to depart at 11:30 hours with a crew of two and eight passengers on board. Prior to departure, all pre-flight procedures, including medical examinations and breath analyzer tests for the crew, were completed with negative results. The aircraft taxied from the hangar to the ATC building without any reported mechanical issues.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted a sensation of stiffness in the rudder control, similar to the engagement of a yaw damper. As the aircraft reached rotation speed of 98 knots and lifted approximately 10 to 15 feet above the ground, the left rudder became locked in the forward position. This caused the aircraft to yaw and roll heavily to the left. Despite attempts by the crew to maintain control through a right bank, the aircraft impacted the ground in a left bank attitude within seconds of liftoff.
The initial impact occurred on a paved surface, with the wing striking the ground first. Following the impact, the crew successfully evacuated all 10 occupants, and there were no injuries reported. Post-impact, the crew attempted to secure the aircraft, though they found the engine condition levers and throttle stuck. Emergency services responded to the scene to manage a small patch of grass that ignited due to hot engine surfaces and oil.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden mechanical failure where the left rudder locked in the forward position immediately after liftoff.
- Loose friction lock nuts were identified during the post-accident inspection of the control levers.