Accident PZL M-18 Dromader N4226V, Monday 25 April 1988

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Monday 25 April 1988
Time:	11:00 LT
Type:	PZL M-18 Dromader
Owner/operator:	Vaughn Flying Service, Inc.
Registration:	N4226V
MSN:	1200504
Total airframe hrs:	1704 hours
Engine model:	PZL-Kalisz ASZ-61IR
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Cheneyville, LA - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	(LA81)
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRFT SEEMED EXTREMELY TAIL-HEAVY AND THAT HE USED 'BOTH FEET AND ONE ARM' TO HOLD FORWARD STICK. HE SAID THE AIRCRAFT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE IN PITCH AND DISPLAYED A RIGHT TURNING TENDENDCY. THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT, ATTEMPTING TO LAND DOWNWIND ON THE TAKEOFF RUNWAY. HE REDUCED POWER AT 100 FEET AGL AND THE RIGHT WING HIT THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD RUDDER FAILURE PROBLEMS IN FLIGHT BUT WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE UPPER 1/3 OF THE RUDDER WAS BENT 45 DEGREES TO THE LEFT.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: