Decathlon 8KCAB
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 5715; Flight Crew Type 2850
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Weather 10C; clear; wind 030 at 7 KTS. Student was landing on Runway 08. Upon touchdown the airplane veered significantly to the left. Student attempted to straighten the ground roll using rudders. Student then stated she could not move the rudder. Instructor immediately initiated a go-around. Once airborne and stable; instructor verified rudder pedal was 'stuck.' Upon visual inspection; instructor noticed that the bushing holding the left rear rudder pedal had come loose when the cotter pin had come off and bushing had become lodged into the side wall of the airplane. Instructor managed to reposition the bushing and landed without incident. Mechanic replaced the cotter pin and verified aircraft was airworthy. Although this flight ended without incident; it could have been catastrophic had either a less experienced PIC and/or a more aggressive maneuver (spin) been in operation. My suggestion is to 'wiggle' the rudder pedals prior to spin entry and landings to ensure the rudder pedal is not stuck. A visual inspection would not hurt either.
A Decathlon left rear rudder pedal bushing became loose during flight impeding rudder pedal movement. The Instructor in the aft seat was able to reposition the bushing prior to landing.