On January 12, 2003, a Cessna 150M (registration N66507) was involved in an aviation accident near Charleston, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadequate flare by the pilot. Factors were the loose trim tab cable for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, the airplane impacted the runway in a nose-low attitude after the pilot reported elevator control stiffness on a prior approach.
Incident Overview
The airplane struck the runway during landing with a nose-low attitude. The pilot had previously reported elevator control stiffness during an initial approach, which was followed by a go-around and the subsequent landing attempt.
Examination of Flight Controls
After the event, inspectors checked the elevators and ailerons for full and unrestricted travel and found no anomalies. There was no excessive play detected in the elevator, rudder, ailerons, or elevator control systems.
Elevator Trim Cable Tension
Measurement of the elevator trim cable revealed a lack of tension relative to the manufacturer's specified range of 10 to 20 pounds as cited in the maintenance manual. However, this condition did not prevent the elevator trim from operating.