What happened
On April 30, 2011, a Jodel D140 Mousquetaire, registration OO-VVK, was taxiing to runway 22 at the Courchevel Altiport. The aircraft was occupied by an instructor in the left seat and another instructor in the right seat. During the taxi phase, the pilot heard a dull thud and felt the left rudder pedal sink all the way to the firewall. This mechanical failure resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway to the right, where it came to rest in a wooded area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the rudder control system. The Jodel D140 features a mechanism with three adjustable pedal positions, utilizing a retractable stop to secure each pedal. A rod at the base of each pedal allows for these adjustments. If a pedal is moved beyond its furthest setting, the physical connection between the rudder control linkage and the pedal is severed.
Upon inspection of the rudder pedals, investigators found that the stop for the left pedal had dislodged from its housing. It could not be determined whether this dislodgment was caused by mechanical wear or an intentional movement by the pilot during the taxi.