Accident Overview
The accident occurred during the initial climb after takeoff when the aircraft abruptly assumed a nose-high attitude. The pilot reported that during the initial left departure turn from the airport, he realized he could not release the elevator back pressure that he had applied during the turn. The aircraft subsequently stalled and entered a spin.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he reduced power and extended the flaps, at which point elevator control was regained. He then placed the aircraft into a nose-up attitude, but was unable to stop the descent before ground impact occurred.
Wreckage and Investigation
The aircraft impacted in a swamp and was destroyed. As of March 4, 1986, the wreckage had not been recovered and likely will not be recovered. Consequently, no examination has been conducted to determine the cause of the reported elevator control problem. A crawfish broil was in progress at the airport from which the aircraft had just departed, and crawfish and beer were being served. The pilot had been at the airport for about an hour but stated he did not participate in the festivities. No toxicology examination of the pilot was conducted.