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Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Orange Tree Nursery After Takeoff with Elevator Trim in Nose-Down Position (N8353P)

Avon Park, FL, US

On October 31, 1996, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N8353P) operated by Hotchee Baltaeff was involved in an aviation accident near Avon Park, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of the elevator trim, which resulted in runway contact by the propeller during the takeoff roll and subsequent loss of aircraft control. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, an airplane porpoised, contacted the runway with its propeller, then entered a dive and impacted an orange tree nursery. The elevator trim was found fully deflected nose-down.

Incident

During taxi to the runway for takeoff, the pilot was observed adjusting the ceiling-mounted elevator trim. On takeoff, the nose of the airplane porpoised, and the propeller contacted the runway. After becoming airborne, the airplane turned left and entered a steep nose-down dive until it impacted in an orange tree nursery.

Investigation Findings

Following the accident, multiple propeller slash marks were found in the runway. A witness observed a cloud of debris created by the airplane during its takeoff roll. The elevator trim was found in the fully deflected position for nose-down trim. The propeller blades exhibited abrasions on the cambered face at the tips, which were curled aft 90 degrees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06831. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.