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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 29, 2012 · Steven Bornstein/Thomas Whitta Zenith CH 701 · N701ZN

Centerburg, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Centerburg, OH
Aircraft
Steven Bornstein/Thomas Whitta Zenith CH 701
Tail Number
N701ZN
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA410

The pilot performed a low approach to the runway and added engine power to go around. As the pilot added engine power, the airplane began to yaw left. To correct the airplane’s yaw, the pilot attempted to depress the right rudder pedal, but he was unable to move the pedal. The airplane was headed for trees, and the pilot added power in an attempt to takeoff and climb over them; however, the airplane struck the “uppermost” branches. The pilot then reduced engine power and performed a forced landing in a shallow pond. An examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal rudder operation. The two sets of rudder pedals were separated by 1.5 inches, and the pilot had only 3 hours in the accident make and model airplane. Although it is possible that the pilot's right foot inadvertently contacted the left rudder controls and restricted the rudder pedal movement, the investigation was unable to determine the cause of the impeded rudder movement.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inability to actuate the airplane’s rudder during an attempted go-around for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2012, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a kit-built Zenith CH 701 airplane, N701ZN, impacted terrain following a loss of control near Centerburg, Ohio. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane's wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight originated from Centerburg, Ohio about 0730. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to warm up the engine oil prior to an oil change. After making two overhead patterns at 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot flew a low approach over the runway. While adding power to go-around, the airplane began to yaw left. The pilot attempted to depress the rudder pedal, but he was unable to move the pedal to correct the yaw. The airplane had turned away from its runway alignment and was flying towards trees. The pilot added more power in an attempt to clear the trees, but contacted the tops of the trees. Having sustained damage, the pilot reduced engine power and performed a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane settled into a shallow pond. An examination of the airplane performed by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed flight control continuity from the rudder pedals to the rudder surface. No preimpact anomalies were detected. The airplane was configured with two sets of flight controls. The distance between left set of rudder pedal and right set of rudder pedals was 1.5 inches. The pilot reported having 3 hours in make and model. It could not be determined if the pilot's right foot contacted the other set of rudder controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 EDT
Nearest AirportChapman Memorial Airport (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSteven Bornstein/Thomas Whitta Zenith CH 701
Tail NumberN701ZN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 2200 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time10:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data