On February 15, 1983, a Cessna 310K (registration N6916L) operated by Robert Wright was involved in an aviation accident near Andrews, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff from a touch-and-go landing, witnesses observed the aircraft pull up abruptly, enter a steep right bank, and crash. Investigation found no preimpact failures, but the elevator trim was set nose-up.
Accident Sequence
The pilot had received a weather briefing for a flight to Miland, Texas. A witness reported that after taking off, the pilot performed two or three touch-and-go landings. During the takeoff from the last touch-and-go, witnesses observed the aircraft pull up abruptly, enter a steep right bank, and then crash and burn.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft impacted in a near-vertical nose-down attitude. Both propeller blades showed evidence of high rotational damage. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Trim Settings
The elevator trim tab was found deflected 15 degrees downward, which corresponds to a nose-up trim setting. The elevator trim actuator was found extended 1.1 inches.