Accident PZL M-18A Dromader N41891, Monday 13 April 1992

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Date:	Monday 13 April 1992
Time:	12:00 LT
Type:	PZL M-18A Dromader
Owner/operator:	A-1 Aviation Inc.
Registration:	N41891
MSN:	1Z022-10
Total airframe hrs:	292 hours
Engine model:	PZL-KALISZ ASZ-621R-M18
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Rockford, WA - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Ferry/positioning
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
IT WAS REPORTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST FLIGHT FOR THE PILOT IN THIS TYPE OF AIRPLANE. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE POSITIONING FLIGHT, PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, THE PILOT DID NOT CORRECTLY SET THE RUDDER TRIM. DURING THE TAKEOFF, AS THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE, IT DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE NARROW AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, WHICH SETTLED BACK TO THE GROUND AND THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A FENCE POST.

Probable Cause: IMPROPER USE OF RUDDER TRIM AND POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT.

Accident investigation: