NTSB Factual Report

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot he was departing from runway 26 (5,148 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). The pilot stated that at 50 to 60 feet above ground level, the airplane did not seem to perform as usual, "although the engine seemed to be putting out its normal amount of power." At this time the airplane "began a rapid roll to the left." The pilot countered the roll but was not able to roll back upright. He elected to perform a forced landing to the grass to the left of the runway environment. The bi-plane came to rest 15 feet off the runway surface, on its right side. The lower right wing was bent up 90 degrees at the wing root and the lower left wing was wrinkled and bent down. The upper left wing was bent and wrinkled, the outboard portion of the left elevator was crushed, and the propeller fragmented.

According to the routine aviation weather report (METAR), the winds were 130 degrees at 3 knots.

An examination of the airplane's systems, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed the left rudder cable and spring had separated from the rudder control surface. It was not established if this separation took place during the impact or prior to the accident. An examination of the remaining airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of control in flight due to a disconnected rudder control cable. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to control the roll.