Summary
On December 20, 2015, a Day William L MINICOUPE (N853WD) was involved in an incident near Middle River, MD. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's incorrect installation of the rudder horn and failure to properly inspect the installation, which led to a loss of directional control during takeoff.
The pilot of the experimental amateur built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane veered to the left. As the airplane neared the left edge of the runway, the pilot rotated the airplane in an attempt to be come airborne, but the airplane aerodynamically stalled three feet above the runway and then impacted the runway nose first.
The pilot reported that he performed a post-accident inspection of the airplane with the assistance of another pilot, and he discovered that he installed the rudder control horn upside down. The improper installation reversed the rudder control input.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA16CA088. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N853WD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's incorrect installation of the rudder horn and failure to properly inspect the installation, which led to a loss of directional control during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the experimental amateur built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane veered to the left. As the airplane neared the left edge of the runway, the pilot rotated the airplane in an attempt to be come airborne, but the airplane aerodynamically stalled three feet above the runway and then impacted the runway nose first.
The pilot reported that he performed a post-accident inspection of the airplane with the assistance of another pilot, and he discovered that he installed the rudder control horn upside down. The improper installation reversed the rudder control input. When right rudder input was needed during takeoff to overcome the airplane's left turning tendency precipitated by the engine and propeller, pushing on the right rudder pedal made the airplane turn left. The pilot recommended that he verify proper control connections after maintenance.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA088