RV-6
Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 22000; Flight Crew Type 150
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
The right seat pilot made a normal but firm crosswind landing on runway 16 at Fayette Regional airport.  The firm landing on the main spring type landing gear made the aircraft bounce slightly.  During the bounce; the right control stick separated from its bracket allowing the aircraft to pitch forward abruptly onto the nose gear.  The left seat pilot grabbed the left control stick and completed the landing and taxied clear of the runway.  The right control stick in this aircraft can be attached to its bracket by a bolt; a pin; or a socket with a ninety degree turn and over center lock when in place.  The over center lock method was used in this plane since owned with no problems until now.  After participating in this landing; I believe the right stick should be pinned or bolted to it bracket in this aircraft.  The push and twist attachment method is unsafe especially in the landing or takeoff phases of flight.  This aircraft will not fly again until the right stick is secured by pin or bolt.
RV-6A pilot reported the right side stick controller separated from its bracket on landing. Reporter suggested an alternate method of securing the side stick.