Shortstory: Stuck Rudder During My 1st Solo
By Diesel Dodd, Aviationforum.org | Aug. 18, 2006
For my first solo, I did my first 2 take-offs and landings perfect. There was a bit of a crosswind all day so I had my rudder adjusted for it during my 3rd and final takeoff during my first solo.
However, when I started to ascend I realized about ten feet up that my rudder was stuck. I tried to use right rudder but it wouldn't budge.
So, needless to say, I corrected the best I could with the yolk and tried to set it back down on the remaining runway.
As soon as it touched down the plane veered off to the left and into the field next to the runway.
After a few bumps in the field the rudder came unstuck and I was able to manoeuvre it a bit and start slowing it down. Then, I did all my emergency procedures (cutting off the mixture, turning off the electrical etc.) while barrelling through the field.
I finally came to a stop right before a closed runway. I then turned on the radio and requested assistance. I lived and thought you would like to hear about the experience of my first solo...