Flight 741 Accident: Rudder Trim Tab Failure and Overload (PI-C144)

Flight Details and Initial Anomalies Flight 741 was a scheduled domestic service operating from Manila to Tacloban, with intermediate stops at Legaspi and Calbayog. The aircraft departed Manila runway 13 at 1032 local time, with the co-pilot handling the takeoff from the right-hand seat. After the landing gear was retracted, the pilot-in-command observed a slight leftward veering despite normal engine instrument readings. The co-pilot reported that the right rudder appeared to be jammed, prompting the pilot-in-command to assume control. ## Loss of Control and Impact The aircraft entered a continuous, gradual left turn and bank. Engine instruments were rechecked and confirmed normal, with both engines at MET0 power and an airspeed of 110 mph. At 150 feet above ground level, heading 050°, and an airspeed of 85 to 90 mph, the left bank was momentarily checked and the right rudder pedal was found forward. A garbled transmission was attempted to the control tower, but the aircraft resumed its left bank despite the pilot-in-command's efforts. As airspeed dropped to 85–90 mph, the pilot-in-command pushed the control yoke to regain speed but received no response, feeling that the left wing had struck an object. The aircraft subsequently crashed into barracks. ## Casualties and Official Findings One passenger was killed, and 10 others were injured, including five people on the ground. All remaining occupants were unhurt. The investigation board determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to set the rudder trim tab to the proper position before takeoff and during flight, resulting in an undetected deflection that caused the continuous left turn and bank. An overload of 68 lb above the allowable takeoff gross weight of 26,900 lb at Manila was identified as a contributory factor.