Beech B36TC N65873 accident near Sullivan, Missouri

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was feeling more back pressure in the flight controls than normal during takeoff from runway 06, and that he felt a “heavy, nose down pressure.” The pilot considered landing immediately, but he determined there was insufficient runway remaining. He engaged the electric trim switch, but it did not relieve the downward pressure. The pilot decided to return to land on runway 06 so he banked left 30 degrees. He noticed the airspeed was about 85 knots, but the airspeed appeared to be dropping despite full power, level pitch, and the landing gear down. He reported that the stall warning horn sounded midway through the turn, so he attempted to make a straight-in landing to runway 24. The airplane crossed over runway 24 about mid-field so the pilot attempted to land on the parallel taxiway. The right wingtip “clipped” the pavement and the airplane veered off the taxiway with the nose gear collapsing as it skidded to a stop. Examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim tab setting indicator showed a 1-degree nose down setting. The elevator and elevator trim systems were checked for continuity, proper operation, and proper direction of travel. The examination revealed that the systems operated properly. The flaps were found in the up position.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA573 for the full record.