Incident Description
A pilot initiated an automatic climb from 12,000 feet to 16,000 feet. During this climb, a loud snapping noise was heard. The aircraft then pitched up, and the efforts of both front seat occupants were required to maintain a nose-down attitude. According to the pilot, the trim was stuck in the full nose-up position.
Landing and Damage
As the aircraft approached the runway for landing, the pilot reduced power. The aircraft touched down short of the intended landing point. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear and the right main landing gear collapsed.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident testing showed that the electrical output to the autopilot was erratic. No further details about the cause of the erratic output or its relationship to the snapping noise or trim issues were provided. The investigation did not specify any other findings or contributing factors.