Feature

Loose Items - Low Hanging Fruit For Safety

by Rob Riggen

On June 5, 2005, at 0800 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Rans RV-8, N61TW, was substantially damaged during collision with terrain following an uncontrolled descent after takeoff from the Canandaigua Airport, Canandaigua, New York. A subsequent examination revealed an ink pen lodged beneath the rudder bar. As a result, more force was required for a right rudder input than a left rudder input. The pilot owner said he routinely stored pens, unsecured, on the ledge next to his right knee.

Further examination revealed a 50-ounce glass jar beneath the front seat, in close proximity to the forward control stick. The jar's lid displayed indentations that the pilot said had not been there prior to the accident. He said the jar was kept in the airplane as a relief container, and that it was placed on a ledge, unsecured, prior to takeoff. In a subsequent written statement, the pilot suggested, "The glass jar probably lodged in the [pedal] mechanism leaving me unable to steer for directional control."

Related Link(s):
Full Accident Report


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