LAX08CA119

While en route on a cross-country flight, the pilot attempted to adjust the roll trim of the airplane and manipulated the wing leveler knob, but the knob fell off. While struggling to replace the knob and tighten the securing hardware, the airplane ended up with a left wing-down trim that he was unable to correct. While attempting to land at the destination airport, he had to input full right-stick deflection and left rudder to maintain straight flight. He made a low approach and opted to go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane touched down hard and bounced, then continued off the left side of the runway. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the canard during the runway excursion. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident, with the exception of the improperly safetied wing leveler trim knob. Due to the significant left wing down trim, and the need to cross-control the airplane, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control with the reduced control authority available.

The pilot submitted a written statement and partook in numerous conversations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The pilot reported that while en route on a cross-country flight, he attempted to stabilize the airplane via the trim in an effort to compensate for his weight [on the left side of the airplane]. He manipulated the wing leveler knob and it subsequently fell off. While struggling to replace the knob and tighten it to the attach point, the pilot turned it left. In response, the airplane became configured with a left wing-down tendency that he was unable to correct.

The pilot further stated that while attempting to land at the destination airport, he had to input full right-stick deflection and left rudder to maintain straight flight. He made a low approach and opted to perform a go-around. On the pilot's second landing attempt, the airplane touched down hard and bounced, continuing off the left side of the runway. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the canard during the accident sequence. The pilot had amassed 1.5 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident, with the exception of the improperly safetied knob.