Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 1250; Flight Crew Type 1250
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Once leveling off at 4;500 ft. MSL in the C-172(S); the rudder stayed at full right deflection. After sending the airplane into maintenance; it was discovered that the rudder spring needed to be replaced.
Pilot reported rudder remained at full deflection right and elected to return to the departure airport. It was discovered by maintenance that the rudder spring required replacement.