N502CW

Substantial
None

COTE JAMES RANS S 6SS/N: 08051681

Accident Details

Date
Monday, August 4, 2014
NTSB Number
ERA14CA385
Location
New Berlin, PA
Event ID
20140814X65019
Coordinates
40.883888, -76.980003
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The passenger's inadvertent interference with the rudder controls during the takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
COTE JAMES
Serial Number
08051681
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
RANS S 6S
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
RANS S-6S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ZIMMERMAN J EARL
Address
1510 MAYTOWN RD
City
ELIZABETHTOWN
State / Zip Code
PA 17022-9769
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that just after takeoff, the airplane entered "uncoordinated flight to the left." He applied right rudder to correct, but felt that the rudder was ineffective. After clearing trees at the end of the runway, the pilot elected to conduct a precautionary landing in a field. He stated that the airplane's rate of descent was "high," and that the nose landing gear collapsed upon touchdown. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall, both wings, and the vertical stablilizer. Examination of the rudder controls revealed no anomalies. According to the pilot, his passenger was "apprehensive" about the flight, and inadvertently applied pressure to the left rudder pedal with his foot throughout the takeoff and accident sequence.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA385