Ryan NAVION N4583K accident near Bismarck, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to remove the maintenance spacer before takeoff, which resulted in restricted flight control movement and a loss of control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane’s nose pitched up sharply and the airplane entered a steep climb. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain beyond the departure end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. After the airplane came to rest, the pilot discovered that a plastic maintenance spacer, which had been used to hold the elevator in the up position during cleaning, remained installed on the control yoke shaft. The spacer restricted elevator control movement during takeoff, preventing the pilot from achieving normal flight control inputs and maintaining control of the airplane.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA229 for the full record.