Shady Cove, OR, USA
N1984A
Piper PA-18A
According to the pilot, during the takeoff initial climb, at about 40 feet agl, the control stick came out of its attach point. He reduced power, and the airplane descended and impacted terrain in approximately a 30 degree pitch down attitude. The pilot stated that the reason the control stick came out was that he had "improperly installed" it during preventative maintenance.
On March 4, 2006, about 1200 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-18A, N1984A, impacted terrain in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of control during the initial takeoff climb from runway 18 at Shady Cove Airport, Shady Cove, Oregon. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot and the passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, at about 40 feet agl, the control stick came out of its attach point. He reduced power, and the airplane descended and impacted terrain in approximately a 30 degree pitch down attitude. The pilot stated that the reason the control stick came out was that he had "improperly installed" it during preventative maintenance.
The pilot's improper installation of the control stick during maintenance, which resulted in the control stick becoming disconnected during the initial takeoff climb, resulting in a loss of control and in-flight collision with the ground.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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