Fatal accident involving aileron control error during takeoff

1 fatality • Chugiak, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine aircraft crashed during its initial climb following maintenance, resulting in the death of the pilot due to incorrectly rigged flight controls.

What happened

Following a period of self-performed maintenance, an aircraft was undergoing its first flight since the completion of mechanical work. The maintenance tasks involved the removal, reinstallation, and rigging of the ailerons. As the aircraft transitioned into the initial climb phase immediately after lift-off, it entered an uncontrolled roll. The aircraft subsequently struck the terrain. There was one person on board, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

Findings

An investigation into the accident identified several critical errors regarding the aircraft's configuration and oversight. It was determined that the control linkages for the left aileron had been connected in reverse during the maintenance process. The findings also highlighted failures in the preflight inspection conducted by the pilot, as well as improper installation procedures and inadequate management of the maintenance tasks performed on the aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the incorrect rigging of the left aileron controls during maintenance, leading to an uncommanded roll during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-06-10 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Chugiak, United States of America?

A single-engine aircraft crashed during its initial climb following maintenance, resulting in the death of the pilot due to incorrectly rigged flight controls.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-06-10 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-06-10 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration N48108, operated by Pete E. Bloomfield, at Chugiak, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the incorrect rigging of the left aileron controls during maintenance, leading to an uncommanded roll during takeoff.

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