What happened
During the takeoff roll, the pilot initiated rotation by pulling the control yoke aft, and the aircraft type successfully lifted off the runway. Shortly after liftoff, the nose of the aircraft dropped. In an attempt to correct the pitch, the pilot applied further backpressure on the yoke but reported a sudden snap and a loss of tension in the controls. The aircraft subsequently pitched downward and settled back onto the runway surface.
In an effort to stop the aircraft, the pilot utilized maximum braking and full reverse thrust, but the plane failed to stop before exiting the end of the runway. To prevent a collision with a nearby gas station, the pilot used left rudder and braking to steer the aircraft. During this maneuver, the landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing to strike the ground and sustain significant damage. The accident resulted in two minor injuries among the passengers, while the remaining seven occupants were unharmed. The aircraft was determined to be a total loss.
Findings
An inspection of the aircraft following the accident identified that the elevator control cable had fractured at a pulley bracket located near the rear of the fuselage. Metallurgical analysis of the cable revealed extensive rubbing damage on nearly all the wires near the point of the break. Additionally, the upper guard pin showed signs of wear, including scratches and gouges, and the pulley assembly contained several small wire fragments.
The investigation concluded that the elevator control cable had been improperly routed on the incorrect side of the upper guard pin. This improper installation caused the cable to rub against the pin during operation. Over time, this friction weakened the cable until it could no longer withstand standard operating loads. Records indicated that this specific cable had been replaced approximately one year prior to the incident, after the aircraft had flown roughly 316.5 hours since the installation.