Accident Overview
A pilot who was also a certified mechanic conducted maintenance on an aircraft, which involved the removal, reinstallation, and rigging of the ailerons. Upon takeoff for the first flight following this maintenance, the aircraft entered an uncommanded roll immediately after lift-off and subsequently crashed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the controls to the left aileron had been connected in reverse. This reversal rendered the aileron control system ineffective, leading to a loss of control during the critical takeoff phase.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified three contributing factors to the accident:
- Loss of Control - In Flight: The aircraft experienced a loss of control during the initial climb phase of takeoff.
- Improper Flight Control (Aileron): The aileron controls were improperly installed.
- Improper Maintenance Installation: The maintenance performed by the company/operator management was improper.
- Improper Aircraft Preflight: The pilot-in-command conducted an improper preflight inspection.
As a result, the aircraft collided with terrain during takeoff.