Casualties unknown

1997-09-12: Beech 76 (N18562) — West Lafayette, IN

West Lafayette, IN, US

On September 12, 1997, a Beech 76 (registration N18562) was involved in an aviation accident near West Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadvertent stall. A related factor was the instructor pilot's failure to ensure the elevator trim was reset for takeoff. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A dual training flight on single-engine operations resulted in a crash after the airplane pitched up steeply and rolled right at low altitude. Examination found no anomalies, but elevator trim was set to 10 degrees nose-up.

Incident Summary

A flight lesson aimed at introducing single-engine operations to a dual student took place at an airport with an air traffic control tower. The airplane performed two touch-and-go landings before the instructor requested a full stop and taxi back, which was approved by the tower. After landing and taxiing to an intersection, the tower cleared the airplane for takeoff and for the option.

Witness Accounts

A ground witness reported hearing the airplane's engines rev up as if for takeoff, then idle, then rev again before the airplane departed. Several witnesses observed the airplane take off to the west. At an estimated altitude of 100 to 150 feet above ground level, the airplane pitched up steeply and executed a wing-over to the right. It then nosed straight down into the ground, bursting into flames upon impact.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies. The elevator trim jackscrew assembly was found in a position equating to 10 degrees of nose-up trim.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08800. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.