Incident Overview
A Piper PA-31-350 aircraft, registration N3554p, was on a maintenance test flight following repairs to the right wing. Shortly after liftoff, the pilot lost control of the airplane and was unable to regain control before impacting the ground. Both occupants sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the aileron control system revealed that the right wing control cables were reversed on the aileron bellcrank. This configuration caused both ailerons to move in the same direction—either up or down—when the control wheel was turned left or right. The mechanic who performed the repairs had reassembled the right wing aileron control cables in accordance with the Piper service manual. The improper connection was the result of incorrect identification of parts within the manual.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: "The improper identification of parts in the piper PA-31-350 service manual pertaining to the aileron cables. This discrepancy resulted in the improper installation of the aileron cables on the right aileron bellcrank by a mechanic during the reconstruction of the right wing. The improper connection resulted in a loss of aircraft control by the pilot immediately after takeoff. Also causal to the accident were the inadequate inspection of the flight control system by a second mechanic with inspection authorization, and the inadequate preflight inspection of the flight control system by the pilot prior to takeoff."