What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-08-06 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N53122, at Lansing, IL.

Elevator Trim Misadjustment Leads to Takeoff Abort and Runway Excursion (N53122)

On August 6, 1983, a Cessna 177RG (registration N53122) was involved in an aviation accident near Lansing, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The elevator trim was in the full nose-down position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a post-inspection flight, the pilot noted high idle RPM and aborted takeoff but could not stop. The aircraft struck a ditch. Investigation found the elevator trim was full nose down.

Incident Overview

A single-engine aircraft, having just completed an annual inspection, was on its first flight back to its home airport. The pilot reported that before takeoff, he observed that the engine would not idle below 850 RPM. Despite this, he elected to continue with the flight.

Takeoff and Abort

During the takeoff roll, the pilot pulled back on the yoke to rotate, but the aircraft did not feel like it wanted to fly. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff but was unable to stop on the remaining runway with the high idle RPM. Subsequently, the aircraft hit a ditch near the end of the runway.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose-down position. No other contributing factors were identified.

Probable cause

The elevator trim was in the full nose-down position.

1983-08-06: Cessna 177RG (N53122) — Lansing, IL