What happened
During the takeoff phase, immediately following rotation, the aircraft experienced an extreme pitch-up maneuver, with the nose rising to an angle of approximately 60 degrees. The aircraft continued its ascent to an altitude of roughly 250 feet before entering a right roll and a nose-down pitch. This sequence led to a descent that ended in a ground impact approximately 650 feet to the right of the runway, with the aircraft striking the terrain at a 45-degree nose-down angle.
There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the accident.
Findings
An investigation of the wreckage identified a critical mechanical failure within the elevator control system. The elevator was found to be jammed in the full up deflection position. Specifically, the upper portion of the elevator control rod had become disconnected from the elevator surface. This rod was discovered wedged between the elevator fairing and the tail cone, which physically forced the elevator into its extreme upward position.
Investigators noted that the bolt used to connect the control rod was found undamaged at the bottom of the tail cone, though the associated washer, nut, and cotter pin were missing. Records indicated that maintenance personnel had removed, serviced, and reinstalled the elevator approximately 166 flight hours before the accident occurred.