Pilot Report
At 1445, the pilot radioed the tower and stated he was having problems with the trim and was going to return to the airport. He reported that he had to apply a lot of back pressure on the yoke and that the electric trims were not working. The controller requested a position report; the pilot advised he was south of MBT. When asked about available runways, the controller informed him that runways 18-36 were available. The pilot replied, "Yeah I'm going for that." No further radio transmissions were received from the pilot.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the airplane flying erratically and porpoising.
Accident Sequence
The airplane collided with the ground approximately 300 yards short of runway 18 at MBT.
Post-Crash Fire and Examination
A post-crash fire consumed the cockpit area aft of the firewall, the cabin, and the inboard portion of the left wing. The tailcone and all aerodynamic surfaces of the empennage were also consumed by the post-crash fire. Examination of the elevator trim actuator and electrical trim revealed they were heavily damaged by post-impact fire. Examination of the electric trim control assembly showed it had sustained post-crash fire damage, and it was not possible to determine if the assembly was operational at the time of the accident.