What happened
A flight intended for pilot instruction resulted in an aircraft stall during the initial phase of departure. Observers on the ground reported that while the engine appeared to be running smoothly, it did not generate the expected power output necessary for a successful climb. The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude and subsequently stalled.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine the root cause of the performance deficiency. A physical inspection revealed that the elevator trim tab was secured in the nose-up position. This mechanical configuration would have prevented the pilot from effectively lowering the nose to maintain airspeed during the critical takeoff roll and initial climb.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the misaligned trim tab. Although no mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilots prior to or during the flight, the physical state of the control surface directly inhibited the aircraft's ability to achieve normal flight parameters. The lack of full power perception by witnesses aligns with the aerodynamic penalty imposed by the fixed nose-up trim.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of pre-flight control surface checks. Pilots must verify that all trim tabs are free and correctly positioned before takeoff to ensure full control authority is available during high-performance phases of flight.