What happened
A commercial cargo flight was approaching its destination when the pilot notified the tower that the aircraft was positioned seven miles east of the airport, requesting to land on runway 13. During the arrival sequence, the pilot indicated an intention to perform several holding patterns due to difficulties operating the autopilot system.
As the Cessna 402 transitioned to its final approach, witnesses observed the aircraft's descent. One pilot in the traffic pattern noted the plane appeared to be at a normal flight attitude but potentially low on one to two mile final. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was seen striking a fence, with the tail section pitching forward upon impact. Another witness near a fixed base operator reported that the airplane experienced a sudden stall from an altitude of approximately 200 feet before hitting the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that destroyed the airframe. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in this specific account, though the aircraft was lost.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was within its proper weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. The landing gear was extended and flaps were partially deployed during the impact, which occurred at a 25-degree nose-down angle. While flight control continuity was maintained between the cockpit and the rudder and elevator surfaces, a critical mechanical failure was identified in the elevator trim tab.
The right elevator trim tab was found in a 28-degree tab-up position, significantly exceeding the manufacturer's maximum limit of 5 degrees. This condition caused a nose-down pitch. The investigation determined that the trim tab was jammed because the clevis end of the actuator rod had become wedged against the internal front spar of the elevator. Furthermore, the bolt and nut intended to secure the clevis end of the actuator rod to the actuator screw were missing from the assembly. Maintenance records indicated that the right elevator had been replaced only 10 flight hours before the accident.