# NTSB CHI06CA039: Larson Aero Comp-6, N4334Z, Brainerd, MN, November 30, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 30, 2005, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Brainerd, MN - Coordinates: 46.397777, -94.137222 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3978&lon=-94.1372&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report February 28, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Minneapolis, MN - NTSB case key (mKey): 62907 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA039 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62907/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA039 ## Probable cause The pilot/builder inadvertently reversed the aileron control systems during installation and failed to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot/builder’s failure to perform an adequate aircraft preflight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - maintenance,installation - improper, owner/pilot mechanic (cause) - flt control syst,aileron control - reversed (cause) - aircraft preflight - inadequate, owner/pilot mechanic (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, owner/pilot mechanic (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane collided with the terrain following a loss of control on takeoff. The pilot, who was also the airplane builder, reported that the takeoff was normal and at an altitude of about 20 feet above the runway, the left wing dropped slightly. He stated he attempted to compensate by using opposite aileron, however, the wing continued to drop until the airplane contacted the ground. The pilot stated the accident occurred during the first flight after he converted the aileron system from push-pull cables to a tube and bell crank system. The pilot reported he inadvertently reversed the left and right aileron control systems when he installed the conversion. ## Factual narrative The airplane collided with the terrain following a loss of control on takeoff. The pilot, who was also the airplane builder, reported that the takeoff was normal and at an altitude of about 20 feet above the runway, the left wing dropped slightly. He stated he attempted to compensate by using opposite aileron, however, the wing continued to drop until the airplane contacted the ground. The pilot stated the accident occurred during the first flight after he converted the aileron system from push-pull cables to a tube and bell crank system. The pilot reported he inadvertently reversed the left and right aileron control systems when he installed the conversion. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4334Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4334Z-2007-11-27), registration cancelled 2007-11-27, S/N AC6114, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Larson Aero Comp-6 - Registry model: [Larson C/Watland S AERO COMP-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/larson-c-watland-s-aero-comp-6) (registry code 05606N7) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: AC6114 - Engines: Continental O-470 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Craig C. Larson - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2005 - Departed: BRD, Brainerd, MN - Destination: Brainerd, MN ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 60; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: left; flight hours: 350 total, 150 in this make and model, 3 in the last 90 days, 0 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 10 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: BRD ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20051130032239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051130032239A), Nov 30, 2005: AEROCOMP6, Brainerd, MN, Destroyed. (-23) The owner/pilot had replaced the cable and pulley aileron control system with a push-pull tube and bellcrank system. He did not perform a flight control… ## Other investigations on N4334Z (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 CHI01LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA045), Dec 8, 2000: Larson Aero COMP-6 (N4334Z), Brainerd, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the loose fuel cap and the snow covered terrain. 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.