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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 12, 1998 · Dassault DA-20 · N617GA

Monroe, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Monroe, MI
Aircraft
Dassault DA-20
Tail Number
N617GA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA151

The pilot-in-command reported that the flight controls were free during the preflight and before takeoff checks. He stated the applied power to takeoff and at Vr (125 knots) when he went to pull back on the yoke, it would not move. He stated he tried to pull back three times to no avail. The takeoff was aborted and the airplane traveled off the end of the runway into a field. Examination of the airplane failed to reveal any failure/malfunction which would have prevented normal operation of the flight controls.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot-in-command's inability to rotate during takeoff due to restricted movement of the elevator controls for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On May 12, 1998, at 0250 eastern daylight time (edt), a Dassault Falcon DA-20, N617GA, registered to Grand Aire Express, Inc., of Monroe, Michigan, and operated by an airline transport pilot, ran off the end of Runway 21 (5,000'x100' dry/asphalt) at the Monroe- Custer Airport, Monroe, Michigan, after experiencing a stuck elevator control during takeoff. The pilot and co=pilot were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The 14 CFR Part 135 flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot-in-command reported that the flight controls were free when they were checked during the preflight and before takeoff checks. He stated he applied power to takeoff and at Vr (125 knots) when he went to pull back on the yoke, it would not move. He stated he tried to pull back three times to no avail. At this time, he called to abort the takeoff. He stated that he reduced the power to idle and applied maximum braking while the co-pilot extended the airbrakes. He reported that the airplane rolled off the end of the runway at which time he moved the throttles to the idle cutoff position. The airplane came to rest in a farm field off the end of the runway. The pilot-in-command reported that the balanced field length was calculated to be 4,500' with V1 being 123 knots. The airplane was examined by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Belleville, Michigan, Flight Standards District Office. The inspection of the airplane's flight control systems failed to reveal any failure and/or malfunction which would have resulted in the pilot-in-commands inability to apply aft pressure on the control yoke.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time02:50 EDT
Nearest AirportMonroe Custer (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDassault DA-20
Tail NumberN617GA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsGe · CF700 · Turbojet · 4500
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time05:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data