Accident Details
On July 13, 2018, at approximately 1800 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 182T, registration N291CP, sustained substantial damage during a takeoff attempt from Geneseo Airport (D52) in Geneseo, New York. The commercial pilot received serious injuries, while the two passengers suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for a familiarization flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that earlier that day, he had flown uneventfully from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to D52 without using the autopilot. The accident flight was intended to provide a familiarization experience for two CAP cadets. After conducting a thorough preflight inspection, the pilot started the engine and taxied to runway 23. He performed an engine run-up and verified flight controls were free and correct. The pilot then initiated a soft-field takeoff procedure on the bumpy grass runway. The airplane became airborne in ground effect at about 45 knots, and as it began to climb out at 60 knots, the nose pitched up abruptly. Despite pushing the yoke forward as hard as possible and engaging nose-down electric elevator trim, the airplane continued to climb at an excessive angle of attack and stalled. It subsequently rolled left, descended, and came to rest inverted.
Passenger Accounts
Both passengers, minors, were interviewed separately by an FAA inspector in the presence of a parent. One passenger did not recall the pilot performing a preflight inspection, using a checklist, or conducting any engine run-up before takeoff. The other passenger recalled an abbreviated preflight inspection and use of a checklist before and after engine start but did not recall any stopping before entering the runway, engine run-up, or control check except for flap movement. Both passengers sustained concussions in the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Initial examination by an FAA inspector revealed damage to both wings and the fuselage. The elevator trim actuator arm was measured, corresponding to a 10° tab-up (nose-down) trim position, within the maximum of 24° (±2°). A memory card from the multifunction display was recovered, but data showed the last recorded flight was in 2016. The wreckage was later uprighted and recovered by the operator.
A subsequent examination with a representative from the airframe manufacturer found all control surfaces movable by hand. All flight control cables were intact and attached except the left aileron cable, which had separated between the front door post and instrument panel, in the area of fuselage separation. The separated ends exhibited a broom-straw appearance. Rudder and elevator cables and their routing were visually examined; elevator and elevator trim autopilot servos were movable by hand. No preimpact impediments to control yoke movement were observed, and no preimpact abnormalities were noted.
Operator Checklist
Review of the operator's "Before Takeoff – Run-Up" checklist included the item: "…20. Elevator & Rudder Trim…Take Off…"
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at ROC at 1754 included wind from 220° at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, and scattered clouds at 14,000 feet.