# NTSB CEN14LA456: Maule MT 7-235, N627RK, Edon, OH, August 26, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 26, 2014, 11:45 local (15:45 UTC) - Place: Edon, OH - Coordinates: 41.550014, -84.759254 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5500&lon=-84.7593&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 22, 2015 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Flight Standards - NTSB case key (mKey): 89958 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN14LA456 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89958/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89958 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA456 ## Probable cause 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. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: yaw control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024/cases.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 149 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) - [Flight control system: rudder tab control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022721): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022721/cases.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022721/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) (defining event); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Maule MT-7-235, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=5460175), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N627RK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N627RK-2018-02-15), registration cancelled 2018-02-15, S/N 18036C, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MAULE MT 7-235 - Registry model: [Maule MT-7-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mt-7-235) (registry code 5460175) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18036C - Year built: 1998 - Airframe hours: 1593 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-W1A5 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: S & J Aviation LLC - Registered owner: S & J Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 8, 2013, 38 hours before - Departed: PVT, Edon, OH - Destination: PVT, Edon, OH - Airport: PVT, Private, runway 11, 1,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: minor; student; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2014; seat: left; flight hours: 120 total, 60 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: DFI, 17 nm away ## Other investigations on N627RK (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB IAD05CA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05CA143), Sep 12, 2005: Maule MT7-235 (N627RK), Capon Bridge, WV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's misjudged distance/speed which resulted in an overrun and a subsequent impact with trees. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 26, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89958. 1.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40426834&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 14 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40426835&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Statement-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - FAA Inspector (item 3, .PDF, 50 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40426836&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20FAA%20Inspector-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.