N106S

Substantial
None

TEMCO GC-1BS/N: 2221

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 2, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA375
Location
Sparta, TN
Event ID
20110702X42523
Coordinates
36.053611, -85.525001
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The improper installation of the right rudder control cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N106S
Make
TEMCO
Serial Number
2221
Engine Type
Turbo-jet
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
GC-1BTT1
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ROBERSON WILLIAM F
Address
320 E BROAD ST
Status
Deregistered
City
COOKEVILLE
State / Zip Code
TN 38501-3382
Country
United States

Analysis

During the takeoff roll, an uncommanded left yaw could not be corrected with control inputs, so the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. During rollout, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, and the landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing spar. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that a "nicopress" fitting on the right rudder cable had failed, and disconnected from its bell-crank. According to the Inspector, the cable fitting had been pressed with an improper tool or technique at installation. The airplane's entire flight control system was refitted and re-rigged approximately 9 years prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA375