M-7
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 52; Flight Crew Total 6000; Flight Crew Type 1300
Confusion; Human-Machine Interface; Fatigue
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors; Aircraft
I was flying eastbound to Maryland returning from Oshkosh at 11;000 ft on an IFR flight plan. My autopilot disconnected and revealed an out-of-trim condition which caused the aircraft to yaw to the left. I had stretched my right leg to the right of the cockpit for comfort. When the aircraft yawed; I instinctively pressed my right foot on the rudder pedal. This caused the aircraft to yaw even more to the left; requiring full right aileron to keep from rolling inverted. I turned the autopilot off and released the rudder trim with no effect. I also reduced power and lowered the nose to get better control; advising ATC that I was turning and descending with a flight control problem. ATC advised me that Cambridge Airport was ahead about ten miles (I had turned about 120 degrees to the left; so I was heading NW instead of east.) As I continued to trouble shoot; I noted that my right foot was pressing on the copilot Left rudder pedal instead of the pilot right rudder pedal. As soon as I got my foot on the correct rudder pedal; I was able to control the aircraft and advised ATC. I continued the flight to Maryland.I suppose I should conclude that I should always keep my feet on my rudder pedals; but the fact that one needs to stretch a bit on a long flight is going to win in the end. I am just glad that I was able to keep flying the aircraft until I found what was the problem (i.e.; Me!!)
Maule pilot reports inadvertently pressing the copilot's left rudder pedal while stretching with the autopilot engaged at 11;000 feet. The autopilot disengages and the aircraft yaws left. Thinking his right foot is on his right rudder pedal; more pressure is applied exacerbating the problem and causing heading and altitude deviations. The error is quickly discovered and corrected.