Accident Overview
On October 27, 2024, at about 1215 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built CCK-2000 airplane, registration N257ST, was destroyed in an accident near Ogallala, Nebraska. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot, a flight control check was performed before departure, during which all controls operated normally. During the initial climb, when the airplane was approximately 30 to 50 feet above ground level, the elevator control became slack. The pilot attempted to regain elevator control but was unsuccessful. Adjustments to engine power were made in an effort to control the airplane's pitch, but the airplane descended and impacted the runway surface. Following impact, the airplane skidded off the runway and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot egressed, and the airplane was destroyed by the fire.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the top elevator control cable was not attached to the elevator horn. The securing bolt and nut for that connection were missing. The lower elevator control cable remained attached via its bolt, but the securing nut for that connection was also not found.
Maintenance History
The airplane was originally assembled in 2021 and was inspected by a Federal Aviation Administration Designated Airworthiness Representative, who would have checked the build. Subsequently, the aircraft underwent several annual condition inspections, including one performed by an airframe and powerplant mechanic different from the owner/builder. The most recent condition inspection was conducted by the owner/builder approximately nine months before the accident, which would have included inspection of all flight control surfaces. Review of the airplane's maintenance logs did not reveal any maintenance related to the elevator, and the owner/builder did not recall any recent maintenance on the elevator.