Pilot Debrief

BEECH B36TC near Sullivan, MO — 2009-09-07

Final reportCEN09LA573
Sign in to save
Date
2009-09-07
Location
Sullivan, MO, USA
Airport
UUV
Aircraft
BEECH B36TC
Registration
N65873
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was feeling more back pressure in the flight controls than normal during takeoff from runway 06, and that he felt a “heavy, nose down pressure.” The pilot considered landing immediately, but he determined there was insufficient runway remaining. He engaged the electric trim switch, but it did not relieve the downward pressure. The pilot decided to return to land on runway 06 so he banked left 30 degrees. He noticed the airspeed was about 85 knots, but the airspeed appeared to be dropping despite full power, level pitch, and the landing gear down. He reported that the stall warning horn sounded midway through the turn, so he attempted to make a straight-in landing to runway 24. The airplane crossed over runway 24 about mid-field so the pilot attempted to land on the parallel taxiway. The right wingtip “clipped” the pavement and the airplane veered off the taxiway with the nose gear collapsing as it skidded to a stop. Examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim tab setting indicator showed a 1-degree nose down setting. The elevator and elevator trim systems were checked for continuity, proper operation, and proper direction of travel. The examination revealed that the systems operated properly. The flaps were found in the up position.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon feeling abnormal flight control pressure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

Related mishaps