Probable cause
The improper installation of a rudder control cable connector and its subsequent separation from the bellcrank, which resulted in the loss of directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot lost directional control during the takeoff roll, and the airplane veered off the runway and impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the flight control system revealed that the right rudder control cable had slipped out of a connector and detached from the bellcrank due to the improper crimping of the connector collar.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 14, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bloomington, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Monroe County Airport (BMG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Stoddard-Hamilton TD
- N-number
- N95RL
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.