On May 11, 1982, a Piper J3C-75 (registration N27006) operated by Jas L Bielefeld was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During departure stalls, the elevator locked in the full up position. The pilot regained partial control in a power-off descending turn, but the aircraft impacted trees. A pair of pliers was discovered in the elevator bellcrank after the accident.
Incident Description
While executing departure stalls, the elevator locked in the full up position. The pilot made several attempts to regain control and found that partial control was possible only when the aircraft was in a power-off descending turn.
Recovery and Collision
This power-off descending attitude was maintained until just prior to ground contact, at which point the aircraft was transitioned to a level attitude before colliding with trees.
Post-Accident Discovery
After the accident, the pilot discovered a pair of pliers that had slid into the elevator bellcrank. The pliers were found in a position consistent with having caused the elevator to lock.
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