On February 16, 1989, an Aero Commander 500U (registration N1010U) was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control due to a restricted elevator up control, which could not be determined by post-accident examination. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff and gear retraction, the pilot experienced restricted upward elevator control. He reduced power on both engines and performed an intentional gear-up landing on the runway.
What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after rotation during takeoff, he retracted the landing gear as planned. Immediately following this action, he noticed that the upward movement of the elevator was restricted. In response to the control anomaly, the pilot reduced power on both engines and executed an intentional gear-up landing on the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical cause of the restriction. The inspection revealed no malfunctions or failures that would have caused the elevator to be jammed.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control due to a restricted elevator up control, which could not be determined by post-accident examination.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Feb 1989 Aero Commander 500U accident near Daytona Beach, FL?
Shortly after takeoff and gear retraction, the pilot experienced restricted upward elevator control. He reduced power on both engines and performed an intentional gear-up landing on the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1989 involved an Aero Commander 500U, registration N1010U, at Daytona Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain control due to a restricted elevator up control, which could not be determined by post-accident examination.
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