On September 6, 1984, a Beech A36 (registration N3675T) operated by Executive Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure to complete both the takeoff and landing checklists resulted in taking off with the elevator trim improperly set and the gear-up landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed gear-up after takeoff with elevator trim set full nose-down, attributed to the pilot not completing takeoff and landing checklists.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 17R, the aircraft was cleaned up and the nose became very heavy. A precautionary landing was subsequently performed on runway 26, which inadvertently resulted in a gear-up landing.
Investigation Findings
Following recovery of the aircraft wreckage, the elevator trim was found to be set to the full nose-down position. The investigation determined that no mechanical malfunctions were present.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that prior to takeoff, the trim was within the takeoff range and that no efforts were made to re-trim the aircraft during the short flight.
Probable Cause
The failure to complete both the takeoff and landing checklists resulted in taking off with the elevator trim improperly set and the gear-up landing.