N597HJ

On October 30, 1998, at 1130 central standard time, an amateur built Acey Deucy P70, N597HJ, sustained substantial damage following loss of control during initial climb on takeoff from runway 31 (3,634' X 50' dry/asphalt) near Ava, Missouri. The pilot reported minor injuries. He said that this was his second flight in the airplane and that on liftoff he experienced a loss of roll authority. The personal 14 CFR art 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with the intended destination of a private strip near Gainesville, Missouri.

The pilot indicated that he purchased the amateur built airplane already constructed and with about 200 hours time in service. He indicated that he had conducted one previous flight in the airplane. He reported during that flight roll authority was poor at low speed; however, improved as the airspeed built up. He said he had asked another pilot to fly the airplane and check it out for him. He said that the other pilot tried the airplane in a high speed taxi test and refused to fly it. He then attempted to fly the airplane himself. On takeoff he lost control at initial liftoff. The airplane turned right and impacted the terrain.

An inspection of the airplane subsequent to the accident revealed that the right aileron deflected 6" in each direction and the left aileron deflected 3" in each direction.