NTSB Factual Report

On January 6, 2012, about 1215 central standard time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C-180, N11HY, impacted terrain during an aborted landing on runway 35 (3,401 feet by 60 feet, dry asphalt), Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (Y23), Chetek, Wisconsin. The certificated private pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and firewall. The airplane was registered to Aerosource LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the local flight that originated from Y23 at 1115.

The pilot stated that he briefed his grandson to keep clear of the control stick. They then departed on a local flight with his grandson seated in the rear seat. They returned to the departure airport where the pilot aborted the landing due to a gust of wind that pushed the airplane toward the right side of the runway. After liftoff from the aborted landing, the control stick moved uncommanded to the right and aft about 100 feet above ground level. The pilot was unable to move the control stick. The airplane entered a "hard" right descending turn and then impacted the ground.

The pilot stated the control stick is "quite large," and the rear seat is not adjustable. The pilot's recommendation was that passengers should be briefed and reminded to keep their feet and legs clear of the control stick. He also stated that the control stick be removed when small children and new passengers are aboard.

The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The passenger’s interference with the flight controls, which resulted in the airplane’s failure to climb after an aborted landing. Contributing was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll, which resulted in the need to abort the landing.