Primary finding
Probable cause
Inadequate maintenance inspection which failed to reveal a deteriorated rudder cable which subsequently failed and caused loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on takeoff and he had just lifted off when he lost directional control. The airplane rolled right and the right wing struck the ground. According to the pilot, he abruptly lost rudder authority. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. A 10 knot quartering tailwind existed during the takeoff. Examination of the airplane revealed the rudder cable separated at the fuselage pulley. Metallurgical examination revealed extensive fatigue cracking in the individual wires. A review of maintenance records revealed airworthiness directive 72-06-02 required recurrent inspection of the rudder cable every 100 hours. A review of maintenance records shows compliance with the AD at the last annual inspection. The airplane was operated about 65 hours since the inspection.
Source record
Factual narrative
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