What happened
On 4 November 2002, a Technoavia SMG-92 Finist, registration HA-YDF, was conducting a private parachute dropping mission from Hibaldstow Airfield in Lincolnshire. The flight proceeded normally through the climb to 4,000 feet and the completion of the parachute drop. During the return to the airfield, the aircraft landed on the tarmac of Runway 26 under favorable weather conditions with light, variable winds.
As the aircraft reached the end of the landing roll, the pilot attempted to use left rudder to maintain directional control. However, the pilot discovered that the rudder was jammed. An attempt to use the left brake also failed as it was similarly immobilized. Consequently, the aircraft drifted right off the runway and entered a ploughed field. The soft ground caused damage to the propeller.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's control mechanisms and the cockpit environment following the excursion. The investigation established that prior to takeoff, the pilot had swapped his headset and placed the unused unit on the floor beside his seat. Post-incident inspection revealed that this spare headset had migrated into the footwell, where it became wedged behind the left rudder pedal, physically obstructing its movement.