Accident Sequence
About one minute after takeoff, the pilot radioed the air traffic controller that the airplane's control wheels were locked. In response, the controller cleared the pilot to land on any available runway. No further communications were received from the pilot. The airplane continued on a straight-ahead path. Witnesses observed the aircraft in a slow, level descent until it contacted wires and then impacted the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed flight control continuity to all flight controls. However, due to impact damage and a post-crash fire, a specific cause for the flight control anomaly reported by the pilot could not be determined. Investigators noted that several unsecured cannon plugs and numerous unsecured heat-damaged wire bundles were found lying across the control columns forward of the firewall.
Maintenance History
Examination of the airplane's logbooks revealed that the most recent maintenance to the flight controls was performed approximately four months before the accident. The aircraft had accumulated 91 flight hours since that maintenance.