This March 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Stinson 108. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Chugiak, Alaska. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The ATP was departing on a first flight after an extensive rebuild and annual inspection of the airplane. He said he conducted a preflight inspection using a checklist, and had several maintenance items corrected before takeoff. Just after the airplane became airborne, it immediately rolled to the left, and the left wing hit the runway. The pilot pulled the engine power to idle, but was unable to correct the roll. The airplane pivoted to the left and nosed over.
The post-accident inspection by the pilot, maintenance personnel, and an FAA inspector revealed that the aileron control cables were misrouted, and the aileron’s direction of travel was reversed.
Probable cause: The reversal of the aileron control cables by maintenance personnel, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
For more information: NTSB.gov
