The pilot reported that, immediately after takeoff from the airport in Selma, Alabama, he needed to use significant left rudder to maintain directional control of the Cessna 310.
After observing the engine monitors and noting that both engines were producing power, he held full left aileron and rudder input to maintain level flight and instructed the pilot-rated passenger to adjust the throttles to turn the airplane back to the airport for a precautionary landing.
They were able to maneuver the airplane to land on the airport property, landing hard in the grass at a 45° angle to the runway. The nose landing gear fractured during landing.
Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
The inspector also reported that the accident flight was the first flight after the airplane had been painted, and that the flight controls had been removed for the painting.
Numerous placards were missing or obscured by paint, and painter’s tape was still attached in some areas. The rudder trim system was found to be significantly out of rig, and the inspectors were unable to move the rudder trim tab to the neutral position.
The pilot was unable to provide any maintenance records relating to the rudder removal and reinstallation or a subsequent weight and balance check/adjustment.
Although the pilot indicated that he performed the preflight checklist before takeoff, he stated that he may not have checked the control trims that are part of that checklist.
Probable Cause: The failure of maintenance personnel to properly rig the rudder trim system after reinstallation and pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection after recent maintenance, which resulted in an inability to adequately maintain directional control during the flight.
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This April 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Saved a lot of money on that paint job.
Possible complacency. This happens a fair bit and people can usually wing it safely but not in this instance.
Still, an impressive recover that: using differential power to maneuver.
If I was an FAA Inspector, I would be going after that A&P’s certificate.
If you had read the inspectors report, it appears that no A&P or IA was involved “foriegn nationals, related to the pilot/owner” Really annoying how fast some pilots jump on the Blame the A&P bandwagon.
The plane still had painters tape on it? Clearly, the pilot didn’t do much of a preflight. Accident waiting to happen.
this mess could be an episode on The Three Stooges. Sheesh!
Regards/J