Edon, OH, USA
N627RK
MAULE MT 7-235
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff, the airplane experienced a left turning tendency, which continued until he had made full-right aileron and rudder inputs. The pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing in a nearby field. As the pilot initiated a descent and the airspeed increased, the left turn steepened despite the full control inputs. The airplane subsequently impacted trees along the edge of the field. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies with the flight control system, and the rudder trim tab was found deflected to the right. The cockpit rudder trim control was positioned consistent with the observed trim tab deflection. Right trim tab deflection causes a left rudder control surface deflection in flight and was consistent with the left turning tendency reported by the pilot.
On August 26, 2014, about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Maule MT 7-235 airplane, N627RK, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain near Edon, Ohio. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to S & J Aviation LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip about 1143.The pilot reported that the preflight inspection and flight control check were normal. During takeoff, shortly after rotating to lift off, the airplane started a "gentle turn to the left." The pilot applied flight control inputs to correct this left turning tendency. As the airplane climbed over trees at the end of the runway, the left turning tendency continued until he had reached full right aileron and rudder inputs. The pilot ultimately decided to execute a precautionary landing in a nearby field. As he initiated a descent, the airspeed increased and the left turn steepened. He noted that despite the full control inputs, the airplane continued to "aggressively" turn to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted trees along the edge of the field in a left wing low, nose low attitude, with full engine power. A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the flight control system. At the time of the examination, the rudder trim tab was observed to be deflected to the right. The cockpit rudder trim control was positioned consistent with the trim tab deflection. The pilot held a student pilot certificate. He reported a total flight time of 120 hours, with about 60 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
The pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control while attempting a precautionary landing after takeoff due to his incorrect setting of the rudder trim tab, which resulted in a significant turning tendency during flight.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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