What happened
On 13 October 2017, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, registration G-BPXX, was performing a private takeoff from Runway 28 at Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome. During the takeoff roll, the pilot attempted to initiate rotation at 70 kt IAS but encountered significant resistance in the control column. Despite applying further rearward pressure at 80 kt, the aircraft failed to respond. The pilot subsequently reduced power to idle and applied maximum braking.
Although the aircraft remained on the centerline, it overran the asphalt runway and traveled across approximately 200 meters of short grass. Upon encountering a patch of rough ground, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft continued across a disused concrete area and finally came to a stop after striking a hedge. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board, though the aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance and the mechanical state of the flight controls. Evidence from tyre marks on the runway indicated that braking began roughly 100 meters before the end of the paved surface. The pilot had calculated that the required takeoff ground roll for the aircraft at maximum takeoff weight was 600 meters, with 799 meters available.
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the stabilator trim tab was positioned at the maximum nose-down position, even though the cockpit indicator suggested a nose-up position. An engineering inspection confirmed that the trim tab position indicator had become de-synchronised from the actual position of the tab. The engineer noted that the indicator could show a neutral position while the tab was actually at near-maximum nose-down deflection.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to continue the takeoff roll for several seconds after first noticing abnormal control response, which significantly reduced the available stopping distance.
- A passenger had been observed moving the trim wheel through its full range of motion during pre-flight preparations, which the pilot did not challenge.
- The primary cause of the resistance was the misaligned trim tab, which was in a full nose-down position despite the cockpit indicator showing a takeoff-ready position.
- The trim indicator had become de-synchronised from the actuator, likely due to the rapid movement of the trim wheel.