No fatalities

12 Aug 2009: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A — Selwyn Hale Ellis Jr — Evansville, WI

Evansville, WI, United States

On 12 Aug 2009, a GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A operated by Selwyn Hale Ellis Jr was involved in an aviation accident near Evansville, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A jam of the elevator flight control for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the pilot found the control stick jammed and could not move it. The airplane departed the runway, became airborne after hitting a ditch, and came to rest in a corn field where a fire started.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff run, the pilot attempted to pull back on the control stick but found it immovable. Despite using both hands, he was unable to move the control. The airplane subsequently traveled off the end of the runway, where it became airborne after contacting a ditch. The airplane then settled into a corn field, after which a fire ensued.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the control stick was binding, preventing the pilot from moving it. However, due to the extensive fire damage sustained by the airplane, the reason for the control stick binding could not be determined. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupant status was available from the source.

Contributing factors

Inoperative