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Pitch Mistrim Annunciation Prompts Emergency Return to Rapid City (N430AW)

Rapid City, SD, US

On February 24, 1997, a DE Havilland DHC-8-311 (registration N430AW) operated by Mesa Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Rapid City, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a missing 'C' clip, which resulted in the master link coming apart, allowing the electric elevator trim chain and cable to become entangled in the elevator trim cables. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

After a pitch mistrim warning, the crew of an airplane declared an emergency and returned to Rapid City. Inspection revealed a separated master link in the elevator trim system and a missing retaining clip.

Incident Description

The captain reported engaging the autopilot as the airplane passed through 10,000 feet mean sea level. Approximately 10 minutes later, the crew observed illumination of a 'PITCH MISTRIM, TRIM NOSE DOWN' annunciator light. Attempts to adjust the trim using the manual elevator trim resulted in only limited movement. The crew subsequently declared an emergency, returned to Rapid City, and landed the airplane without further incident.

Postincident Inspection

A postincident examination of the aft fuselage compartment revealed that one of the two master links in the electric elevator trim system had separated. The master link, which held the chain and cable assembly, had come apart, allowing the chain to become entangled in the elevator trim cables. Further inspection showed that the 'C' clip, which snaps onto the two posts of the master link base plate and secures the master link cover plate, was missing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 1997 DE Havilland DHC-8-311 accident near Rapid City, SD?

After a pitch mistrim warning, the crew of an airplane declared an emergency and returned to Rapid City. Inspection revealed a separated master link in the elevator trim system and a missing retaining clip.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 1997 DE Havilland DHC-8-311 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 1997 involved a DE Havilland DHC-8-311, registration N430AW, operated by Mesa Airlines, at Rapid City, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a missing 'C' clip, which resulted in the master link coming apart, allowing the electric elevator trim chain and cable to become entangled in the elevator trim cables.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07387. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.