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Elevator Trim Found at Nose-Down Position in Visual Approach Accident (N77CQ)

Granada Hills, CA, US

On July 23, 1991, a Beech 95-C55 (registration N77CQ) operated by Bargman, Stuart was involved in an aviation accident near Granada Hills, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOLLOWING AN UNDETERMINED AUTOPILOT FAILURE, DURING WHICH THE PILOT FAILED TO PERFORM THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE TO CORRECT A MIS-TRIM CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a visual approach, a pilot reported stuck elevators and declared an emergency before the aircraft entered a near-vertical descent into a storage building. Investigation found both elevator trim actuators at a 4-degree nose-down trim position.

Accident Sequence

During a visual approach to the airport, the tower controller observed that the airplane was high and instructed the pilot to go around and enter a right downwind. Repeated instructions to turn to downwind brought no response until a turn was finally initiated. At that time, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting that he was holding full back elevator, trying to keep the airplane in the air, and that it looked like his elevators were stuck. The airplane continued away from the airport and entered a near-vertical high-speed descent into a storage building.

Investigation Findings

Investigation revealed both elevator trim actuators at a 4-degree nose-down trim position, and evidence indicates a 40-degree down elevator position. No malfunction of the engines or flight controls were found. The autopilot system control module was destroyed. The pilot had received 7 hours of training in the airplane and had 20 hours total time in the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1991 Beech 95-C55 accident near Granada Hills, CA?

During a visual approach, a pilot reported stuck elevators and declared an emergency before the aircraft entered a near-vertical descent into a storage building. Investigation found both elevator trim actuators at a 4-degree nose-down trim position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1991 involved a Beech 95-C55, registration N77CQ, operated by Bargman, Stuart, at Granada Hills, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOLLOWING AN UNDETERMINED AUTOPILOT FAILURE, DURING WHICH THE PILOT FAILED TO PERFORM THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE TO CORRECT A MIS-TRIM CONDITION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A PERCEIVED ELEVATOR CONTROL PROBLEM; THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO OVERPOWER THE MIS-TRIM CONDITION; AND A LACK…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.