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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 18, 1997 · Aerospatiale TB-20 · N2803A

University Park, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
University Park, PA
Aircraft
Aerospatiale TB-20
Tail Number
N2803A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD97LA044

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inability to control the airplane due to a damaged/bent elevator control lever and resultant lack of elevator authority.

Full 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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 EST
Nearest AirportUniversity Park (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerospatiale TB-20
Tail NumberN2803A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-CD D50 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind280° @ 12 kt, gusting 20 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data