What happened
On 1 March 2014, a Team Minimax aircraft, registration G-MYRG, was conducting a private flight near Easterton Airfield in Elgin, Scotland. The flight was being operated by one of the aircraft's new owners, marking the first flight since recent repairs had been performed on the elevator.
During the initial ground roll, the pilot noted that an unusually high amount of back pressure was required on the control column to achieve rotation and liftoff. As the aircraft climbed at approximately 60 mph, the pilot continued to experience significant resistance when attempting to maintain pitch. The aircraft was difficult to maneuver into balanced turns, leading the pilot to describe the handling as unstable.
After 15 minutes of flight, the pilot notified the airfield of the handling difficulties and warned of a difficult landing. During the final approach, the pilot struggled to manage the airspeed and likely flared too late. This resulted in a very heavy landing, causing damage to the tyres, wheel rims, engine cowling, propeller, and brake attachments. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the recent maintenance performed on the aircraft's elevator. It was established that the elevator had sustained damage while being transported in a trailer following the recent change in ownership. A repair was subsequently carried out, which necessitated the removal of the fixed elevator trim tab.
Upon inspection, investigators determined that the fixed trim tab had been reinstalled upside down. While the tab should have featured a distinct downward deflection, it had been fitted with an upward bend. This incorrect orientation was also evident in photographs taken of the aircraft prior to the repair work.