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August 29, 2009 · Underland/Grothe/Finstrom MMII (MUST · N7798R

Lantana, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lantana, FL
Aircraft
Underland/Grothe/Finstrom MMII (MUST
Tail Number
N7798R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA495

The pilot stated that he completed the takeoff checklist and began the takeoff roll. The airplane accelerated, and at 75 to 80 miles-per-hour (mph) indicated, he attempted to rotate, but was unsuccessful because of what he thought was his seat restricting aft movement of the control stick. The certified flight instructor (CFI) attempted to move his control stick and was also unable. He (CFI) reduced the throttle and mixture controls, and both applied brake pressure. The airplane went off the end of the runway onto grass and came to rest with the nose landing gear collapsed. The CFI stated that, before takeoff, he confirmed freedom of the flight controls. During the takeoff roll when the airplane had reached 65 mph and the pilot had not begun to rotate he informed the pilot to “...lighten the nose....” The pilot acknowledged, and when at 85 mph, the CFI told the pilot to rotate. The pilot replied that he was trying. The CFI reported he attempted to rotate, applying aft elevator control, and he then felt metal on metal contact. Realizing that a control problem of unknown origin existed, he reduced the throttle and mixture controls, took control of the airplane, and asked the pilot to assist him on the brakes. He avoided the runway end lights and had the canopy released before contacting bushes at the edge of a lake. Both exited the airplane, and the pilot mentioned to him at that time that his seat had slid forward while turning onto the runway resulting in elevator control interference. Postaccident inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector revealed the left seat was in the most forward position and the flight control stick was in contact with the seat. While in that position the elevator primary and secondary flight control surfaces were in positions corresponding to airplane nose-down input. The left seat was moved aft, and full elevator control authority was obtained. Further examination of the seat revealed the locking mechanism appeared to be operational; however, it was noted that the seat did not contain a cutout which allowed full aft movement of the control stick.

NTSB Probable Cause

The delay by both pilots to abort the takeoff resulting in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the unintentional forward movement of the pilot's seat resulting in interference with the control stick.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he completed the takeoff checklist and began the takeoff roll. The airplane accelerated and at 75 to 80 miles-per-hour (mph) indicated he attempted to rotate but was unsuccessful because of what he thought was his seat restricting aft movement of the control stick. The certified flight instructor (CFI) attempted to move his control stick and was also unable. He (CFI) reduced the throttle and mixture controls and both applied brake pressure. The airplane went off the end of the runway onto grass and came to rest with the nose landing gear collapsed. The CFI stated that before takeoff he confirmed freedom of the flight controls. During the takeoff roll when the airplane had reached 65 mph and the pilot had not begun to rotate he informed the pilot to “…lighten the nose….” The pilot acknowledged and when at 85 mph the CFI told the pilot to rotate and he replied that he was trying. The CFI reported he attempted to rotate applying aft elevator control and felt metal on metal contact. Realizing that a control problem of unknown origin existed, he reduced the throttle and mixture controls, took control of the airplane and asked the pilot to assist him on the brakes. He avoided the runway end lights and had the canopy released before contacting bushes at the edge of a lake. Both exited the airplane and the pilot mentioned to him at that time that his seat had slid forward while turning onto the runway resulting in elevator control interference. Postaccident inspection of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed the left seat was in the most forward position and the flight control stick was in contact with the seat. While in that position the elevator primary and secondary flight control surfaces were in positions corresponding to airplane nose down input. The left seat was moved aft and full elevator control authority was obtained. Further examination of the seat revealed the locking mechanism appeared to be operational; however, it was noted that the seat did not contain a cutout which allowed full aft movement of the control stick.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPalm Beach County Park Airport (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length3421 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftUnderland/Grothe/Finstrom MMII (MUST
Tail NumberN7798R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data