Cessna 180J, VH-NDD, Bathurst Harbour, Tasmania, on 31 December 1989

Circumstances:

On the flight to Bathurst Harbour immediately prior to the accident the pilot-in-command occupied the left pilot seat, and the co-pilot occupied the right pilot seat. Shortly after take-off on that flight the pilot-in-command handed over control of the aircraft to the co-pilot who was very experienced on tailwheel aircraft. The co-pilot landed the aircraft at Bathurst Harbour without any problem. After a short time sightseeing the party boarded the aircraft for DEPARTURE. The copilot was again handling the controls. Taxiing and the initial take-off run appeared normal but when the tail was raised the aircraft swung to the left. The take-off was discontinued but directional control was not regained. The aircraft left the strip and came to rest in a peat bog a short distance further on. After the accident, the co-pilot's rudder pedals were found to be in the stowed position which disconnects them from the rudder control system. It was not determined when the pedals were put in the stowed position, but it was determined that the co-pilot had not been briefed on the rudder pedal stow system.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1 Inadequate preflight inspection carried out.

2 The co-pilot was not briefed on the rudder pedal stow system.

3 Take-off was attempted with the rudder pedals stowed. 4 Loss of directional control on take-off.