SEA95LA007

While climbing out after takeoff, about 500 feet above the ground, the home built airplane suddenly entered an uncommanded right turn. The pilot attempted to apply left rudder but could not. The rudder had jammed to the right. While the pilot continued to maneuver the airplane and remedy the situation, he suddenly observed powerlines ahead of the airplane and banked away from them. The airplane aerodynamically stalled and spun into the ground during the maneuver. An examination of the wreckage to determine flight control function was not possible due to fire and impact damage.

On October 8, 1994, about 1340 hours Pacific daylight time, N51MB, a Bony MB-1 home built airplane, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent and was destroyed in Madras, Oregon. There was fire. The uncontrolled descent was precipitated by a flight control malfunction while climbing. The certificated recreational pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed from Madras and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot:

After passing end of runway 16 at [about] 500 [feet above the ground,] I made slight power reduction and lowered the nose. At this point, the plane started a right turn without my input to do so. I attempted to straighten out but could not obtain left rudder. I continued to fly the airplane and made 2 complete right turns while trying to figure things out and free the controls. On the third turn I saw a powerline and in order to pass over it added power and leveled the wings.... This application of left aileron created a cross controlled situation and I probably spun in from near powerline height. I cleared the line but impacted the ground shortly beyond.

According to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the airplane impacted a field located about 1/2 mile southwest of the departure airport. A ground fire had engulfed the wreckage. A determination of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions could not be made due to impact and thermal damage. The FAA inspector also stated that the "pilot's statement is consistent with findings."