Investigation number
198703534
Occurrence date
Location
Deeral (10 km N Babinda)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

The aircraft had previously had to be flown with the control stick displaced to the right of centre in order to maintain a wings level attitude. The aircraft owner advised a visiting ultralight pilot of the problem, who offered to attempt rectification. After conducting a flight to experience the problem first hand, the pilot adjusted the right wing warping wire and conducted another test flight. The adjustment had improved the trim problem but still not completely provided a fix. The pilot then readjusted the right wing warping wire to its original condition and added a D-shackle to the left wing warping wire to increase its length. Another test flight was carried out and it was found that the aircraft could only be maintained in level flight when full right rudder and full right control stick were applied. The aircraft was struck by a wind gust and the left wing dropped, as no further control was available to correct this situation, the pilot pulled a wing warping wire. Unfortunately he pulled the right wire instead of the left wire and was unable to correct his error before the aircraft struck the ground. A subsequent inspection of the wreckage found that the right wing warping wire was 19 millimetres longer than the left. Also, all the dimensions of the right wing were slightly larger than that of the left wing, resulting in the right wing area being about 80 square centimetres greater.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Skycraft Pty Ltd
Model
Scout Mark III
Operation type
Sports Aviation
Departure point
Property Strip near Deeral QLD
Departure time
0957
Destination
Property Strip near Deeral QLD
Damage
Substantial