TEMCO GC-1B
Sparta, TN — July 2, 2011
Event Information
| Date | July 2, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA11CA375 |
| Event ID | 20110702X42523 |
| Location | Sparta, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.05361, -85.52500 |
| Airport | Upper Cumberland Regional |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | TEMCO |
| Model | GC-1B |
| 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 improper installation of the right rudder control cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
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.
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.