Accident
A single-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Villeneuve Airport while conducting a post-maintenance test flight. On board were two pilots and one engineer. During the initial climb, the aircraft began to pitch up and down repeatedly before losing altitude and impacting the ground. The passenger sustained serious injuries, while both pilots were killed. Among the deceased was Billy Bourque, the owner of Loon Air, the operator of the aircraft.
Investigation
Authorities investigated the accident to determine the cause. Examination of the wreckage and maintenance records revealed discrepancies in the control system. Specifically, the controls connecting to the left aileron were found to have been incorrectly adjusted.
Probable Cause
The official determination stated that the loss of control resulted from an error by ground personnel during maintenance. The controls to the left aileron had been mis-rigged, leading to the aircraft's uncontrollable pitch oscillations and subsequent crash.