N403AC

On October 10, 1999, about 1300 Eastern Daylight Time, an American Champion 8GCBC, N403AC, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff from a private grass strip in Whiting, Vermont. The certificated commercial pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the grass strip was about 1,200 feet long, by 90 feet wide, and oriented on a North/South direction. Trees were located to the south, and along both sides the runway.

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that after a normal takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off the ground and immediately yawed to the left. The pilot stated he was unable to correct the yawing by applying right rudder, and said the right rudder travel was "short and stiff." As the airplane approached the trees, he pulled the power back and attempted to land.

During the landing, the airplane's right main landing gear was sheared. Additionally, the right wing and fuselage were damaged. The airplane came to rest on the runway.

Examination of the wreckage by an FAA Inspector did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions with the airplane. When the rudder pedals in the cockpit were depressed, an equal amount left and right deflection was noted. Additionally, a follow up examination of the airplane's rudder system revealed that the rudder travel was in accordance with the airplane's type certificate data sheet.

In a follow-up telephone interview, the pilot stated that the passenger was 6-feet 2-inches tall, and while he did not feel the passenger pushing on the rudder pedals, it was possible that the passenger may have had his feet on the rudder pedals. Additionally, he stated he always briefed passengers about not touching the control stick; however, he did not brief passengers about the rudder pedals.

Winds reported at an airport about 35 miles north of the accident site, at 1254, were from 180 degrees at 17 knots, with 21 knot gusts; however, the pilot reported the winds at the strip were calm.