Cirrus Design Corp SR20 N67Y accident near Katy, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of airplane control on takeoff due to the absence of the attachment bolt for the left aileron actuation arm.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that immediately after takeoff, the airplane began to roll to the left. He attempted to counteract the roll with right aileron input but could not control the rolling motion; the airplane continued to roll to the left. The pilot continued to use right aileron and trim, lowered the nose, and executed a forced landing in a field adjacent to the departure airport.

Examination of the wreckage showed that the left aileron actuation arm and attachment bolt were missing; there was no associated impact damage. Impact marks were present on the inboard hinge consistent with the aileron striking it. No distress or markings were found in the hole for the attachment bolt. The bolt or remnants of safety wire were not found.

The pilot reported that he had flown the airplane the day before the accident and noted no problems with the flight controls. The most recent annual inspection and maintenance documents did not show any work performed on the ailerons. It could not be determined when the bolt came loose from the attachment. The absence of the bolt would severely affect aileron flight control as reported by the pilot, allowing the aileron to rotate freely around the hinge point with no connection to the flight controls.

After the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an aviation maintenance alert advising owners and operators of SR20 and SR22 airplanes to visually inspect the bolt for the aileron actuation arm for the presence of a safety wire.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA195 for the full record.