On 11 Sep 2016, a MOONEY M20D NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Brodhead, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper nose-up elevator trim setting by the pilot, which resulted in a nose-high attitude immediately after takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot at a fly-in event reported that an improper elevator trim setting caused a nose-high attitude after takeoff, followed by a left bank and descent into a cornfield, damaging the firewall.
Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, the private pilot arrived at a turf strip to attend a fly-in event. During the departure, the pilot stated that he applied full aft yoke during the takeoff roll and lifted off with a nose-high attitude. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane banked left and descended into a cornfield, resulting in damage to the firewall.
Pilot Report
The pilot attributed the nose-high attitude immediately after takeoff to an improper nose-up trim setting. He reported that he had not set the airplane's elevator trim to the takeoff position in accordance with the before-takeoff checklist. The pilot noted no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
Improper nose-up elevator trim setting by the pilot, which resulted in a nose-high attitude immediately after takeoff.