DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE
Middle River, MD — December 20, 2015
Event Information
| Date | December 20, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA088 |
| Event ID | 20151223X04734 |
| Location | Middle River, MD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.32361, -76.41167 |
| Airport | MARTIN STATE |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | DAY WILLIAM L |
| Model | MINICOUPE |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
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.
Full Narrative
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.