Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inability to control the airplane due to a damaged/bent elevator control lever and resultant lack of elevator authority.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during preflight, the elevator controls 'seemed normal with full travel forward and aft.' After takeoff, the pilot noticed that he could not maintain normal takeoff pitch attitude. The airplane continued an excessive climb rate out of his control, even with full forward yoke. The pilot stated that to control the airplane, power adjustments were needed to keep the nose down. He maneuvered to land on the airport; however, on final approach to land, the airplane stalled just above the runway numbers. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed bending of the elevator control lever due to overload from an undetermined source.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 18, 1997, at about 1635 eastern standard time, a Aerospatiale Trinidad TB-20, N2803A, crashed shortly after takeoff when the pilot, after rotation, experienced elevator control problems. The pilot returned to runway 24 and crashed while attempting an emergency landing at the University Park Airport, State College, Pennsylvania. The pilot and passenger were not injured, however, the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual Flight Rules prevailed, however an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that during preflight the elevator controls "seemed normal with full travel forward and aft". After takeoff, the pilot noticed that he could not maintain normal takeoff pitch attitude and the airplane continued an excessive climb rate out of his control. The pilot state that to control the airplane, power adjustments were needed to keep the nose down. The pilot stalled the airplane on final approach just above the runway numbers. Examination of the wreckage revealed bending of the elevator control lever due to overload from an undetermined source. -