On August 19, 1996, a Cessna A185F (registration N61609) was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The elevator trim was in the full nose up position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed the airplane lift off after a short roll, enter a steep climb, then nose down and impact the runway edge. Post-accident inspection revealed the elevator trim was in the full nose up position.
Accident Summary
Witnesses reported that the airplane became airborne after a short takeoff roll and lifted off before reaching taxiway 'F.' They added that the airplane was established in a very steep climb attitude as soon as it became airborne. Subsequently, it nosed down and impacted on the west edge of runway 16R, between taxiway 'F' and runway 10.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose up position. The trim indicator confirmed the position of the elevator trim. No other details about the airplane, occupants, or conditions were provided in the source.
Probable cause
The elevator trim was in the full nose up position.