Incident Summary
On 10 June 2021 at approximately 1039Z, the pilot of a Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain twin-engine aircraft, registration ZS-NDN, was conducting a final maintenance acceptance flight test from Wonderboom National Airport (FAWB). The intended departure was from Runway 11, with a planned landing back at the same airport.
Sequence of Events
After lining up on the runway and receiving take-off clearance, the pilot advanced the throttle levers to take-off power, released the brakes, and began the take-off roll. At rotation speed (Vr), the pilot noted that the control column felt heavy. He applied constant physical pressure to pull it back but deduced the aircraft would not rotate and lift off in time. The pilot then closed the throttle levers to idle and applied brakes. Realizing there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, he applied excessive braking and retarded the mixture control levers for both engines to the cut-off positions before shutting down the engines.
The aircraft departed the runway and came to rest on the grass approximately 50 metres from the threshold of Runway 29. The dry grass beneath the aircraft ignited due to hot main landing gear brake assemblies. The pilot immediately notified air traffic control (ATC) and requested assistance. FAWB fire and rescue services arrived and extinguished the fire before any damage occurred to the aircraft. There were no injuries reported, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Findings
The pilot later stated that the aircraft's elevator trim tab (located on the right side of the elevator) was not correctly trimmed for take-off as indicated on the cockpit trim wheel. The elevator trim was found to be in a reverse position for take-off, corresponding to a nose-down attitude. The investigation determined that the aircraft was capable of normal operation at the time and found no evidence that the pilot's physical condition affected his ability to carry out the flight.
Probable Cause
The aircraft failed to rotate due to the elevator trim being set to a nose-down attitude; the cause was attributed to the pilot’s failure to conduct a proper pre-flight inspection prior to initiating his flight.
Safety Action
As a result of this occurrence, the pilot informed the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) that to prevent a recurrence, he would diligently perform before take-off checks in the future.
Safety Message
Pilots are advised to always carry out a proper pre-flight inspection and follow the pre-flight checklist at all times.