What happened
During a local test flight following recent maintenance, a single-engine aircraft experienced a significant flight control issue. The aircraft had recently undergone service involving the replacement of four aileron cables. Shortly after departing, the aircraft began a right-hand roll that intensified as the plane climbed, eventually leading to a spiraling descent.
After losing approximately 700 feet of altitude, the pilot managed to regain partial control of the aircraft. The pilot steered the plane away from the airport environment to attempt a landing approach. During the flight, the pilot notified air traffic control that the aircraft was experiencing a heavy right aileron movement. However, as the plane crossed the runway threshold, a sudden right roll occurred, causing the aircraft to strike a river located next to the runway. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and two fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a post-maintenance flight following the replacement of four aileron cables.
- A heavy right aileron was reported by the pilot during the emergency descent.
- The aircraft's flight path ended in a river adjacent to the runway after a roll developed during the final approach.