What happened
On February 22, 2018, a Cessna 441 Conquest II, registration N771XW, crashed near Rossville, Indiana, resulting in 3 fatal injuries. The aircraft, operated by Ponderosa Aviation LLC, was performing a business flight from Eagle Creek Airpark in Indianapolis to Green Bay, Wisconsin, under night instrument meteorological conditions.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft deviated from its assigned altitude and course. When contacted by Indianapolis departure control, the pilot stated the airplane was "... a little out of control." After a period of instability, the pilot regained straight and level flight but informed controllers that he was experiencing a trim problem and difficulty controlling the aircraft.
As the flight continued, the pilot transitioned to the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center. During this phase, the pilot reported again that the trim was "kind of going out on me" and that he needed to regain control. Shortly thereafter, radar and radio communications were lost. The last recorded altitude was approximately 18,300 feet. Witnesses near the site reported hearing a continuous, loud engine sound until the moment of impact.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage, which was scattered over a quarter-mile path through several fields, did not reveal any mechanical anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure. The aircraft's engines and airframe components appeared capable of normal operation.
While the aircraft was equipped with elevator, rudder, and aileron trim systems, investigators could not examine all components because some were not located or were too damaged. The investigation could not determine whether the pilot was struggling with the electric elevator trim or another part of the trim system.
Findings
- The aircraft impacted the terrain in a relatively level attitude at high speed.
- The pilot's flight path became increasingly erratic during the final eight minutes of radar tracking.
- It is likely that the pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane while attempting to address the reported trim issues.