Primary finding
Probable cause
The separation of the left rudder pedal interconnect cable during takeoff, which resulted in the student pilot’s inability to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, he was unable to maintain directional control of the tailwheel equipped airplane during the takeoff roll when he depressed the left rudder pedal. He aborted the takeoff and the airplane veered to the right, exited the right side of the runway, and impacted multiple airport signs, substantially damaging the right wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the owner revealed that, the control cable that interconnects the forward and aft seat left rudder pedals had failed. The owner further stated that it appeared the control cable had pulled through the nicopress swage and that the crimp marks were still visible on the swage. A review of the airplane maintenance records revealed that, the airplane amassed about 1,483.4 hours since the control cables were replaced about 21 years before the accident.