What happened
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft utilized approximately half of the 8,602-foot runway. Shortly after departing the ground, the aircraft experienced a brief nose-down pitch while climbing. The pilot contacted air traffic control to report an issue with the elevator, noting that maintaining a nose-up attitude required applying full back pressure. Consequently, the decision was made to return to the airport for an emergency landing.
While maneuvering near the airfield, the aircraft suddenly pitched downward at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees. The plane entered a steep dive and struck the terrain located at the approach end of the runway. The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, was killed in the impact.
Findings
An investigation into the wreckage determined that the bolt responsible for securing the elevator trim tab pushrod to its actuator was missing. This allowed the rod to become wedged within the elevator mechanism, creating an extreme nose-down condition caused by the trim tab position.
Records indicated that the aircraft had undergone its annual inspection only two days and five flight hours prior to the accident. Although the maintenance technician stated that no work had been performed on the tab system and believed the bolt was properly secured, the mechanical failure led to the loss of control. Additionally, while a pilot performing a preflight inspection on the day of the accident reported the pushrod appeared secure, the disconnection of the elevator trim tab control ultimately caused the fatal descent.