Primary finding
Probable cause
An inadvertent groundloop by the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the takeoff roll, as the tail of the airplane came off the runway, the pilot applied left rudder to keep the airplane aligned with the runway. The pilot stated that the left rudder pedal locked and the airplane groundlooped to the right. An examination of the rudder system did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 30, 1993, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N2464P, sustained substantial damage near Harrison, Arkansas, during the takeoff roll when the airplane groundlooped and impacted the terrain. The airline transport rated pilot and the two passengers did not receive injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. During interviews, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)inspector and the investigator in charge the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll at 45 to 50 miles per hour, he applied left rudder as the tail wheel came off the runway. The pilot further stated that as he continued to work the rudder pedals to keep the airplane straight down the runway, he heard a click in the rudder pedals and the left pedal locked. The airplane subsequently groundlooped to the right, exited the runway, and impacted the grass. Winds were calm. Examination of the rudder system by a mechanic and a FAA inspector did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. The airplane was released to the owner following the investigation. -