What happened
During a commercial cargo operation, the pilot of a Cessna 402 notified the tower that the aircraft was positioned seven miles east of the destination airport, planning to land on runway 13. The pilot subsequently informed air traffic control that the aircraft would perform several holding patterns due to difficulties with the autopilot system.
As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, an observer in the traffic pattern noted the plane was in a normal flight attitude but appeared slightly low on one to two mile final. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck a fence, with the tail section falling forward upon impact. Another witness at a nearby fixed-base operator reported seeing the aircraft enter the final approach before it suddenly stalled and struck the ground from an altitude of approximately 200 feet. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported among the crew.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was within its proper weight and balance limits. The impact occurred at a 25-degree nose-down angle on a magnetic heading of 155 degrees, with the landing gear and flaps partially extended. While flight control continuity was maintained between the cockpit and the control surfaces, a significant mechanical issue was identified in the elevator trim system.
Specifically, the right elevator trim tab was found in a 28-degree tab-up position, which far exceeded the manufacturer's maximum limit of 5 degrees. The trim tab appeared to be jammed and could not be moved manually. Inspection of the internal elevator structure revealed that the clevis end of the trim tab actuator rod was wedged against the front spar. Furthermore, the bolt intended to connect the clevis end of the actuator rod to the actuator screw was missing from the assembly. Records indicated that the right elevator had undergone replacement only 10 flight hours before the accident.