What happened
On February 20, 2013, a Piper PA 19 Super Cub, registration HB-POZ, was performing a flight from Méribel to maintain site authorizations. After landing on the snow-covered runway at the L'Arleppet altisurface, the pilot and a passenger conducted a ground inspection of part of runway 20, noting a light northeast wind.
During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot applied power and attempted to compensate for the propeller's helical slip using the right rudder pedal. As the aircraft's trajectory began to curve to the right, the pilot attempted a corrective left rudder input but found the pedals were blocked. Despite applying left aileron, the pilot could not maintain the centerline. The aircraft struck a bump on the runway and veered off the surface, where the right wing collided with a windsock mast. The aircraft performed a 180-degree turn before coming to a stop. The aircraft was destroyed and the windsock mast was damaged.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the flight controls and the pilot's actions. The pilot reported that no abnormalities were detected during control deflection checks prior to takeoff. He suggested that his right boot may have jammed the right rudder pedal during the takeoff roll. The passenger confirmed they did not touch the controls during the takeoff phase.
Technical examination of the Piper PA 19 Super Cub revealed no deformation of the front seat floor, the pedals remained free, control deflections were normal, and the cables were correctly secured. Investigators noted the pilot was wearing size 45 snow boots. The pilot held a Swiss private pilot license with 2,960 total flight hours, including 1,200 hours on this type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the use of oversized and unsuitable footwear (size 45 snow boots) by the pilot, which led to the physical blockage of the rudder pedals during the takeoff roll.