MIDDLETOWN, CA, USA
N789E
SCHLEICHER ASW-20
THE PILOT FAILED TO CONNECT THE ELEVATOR CONTROL MECHANISM DURING ASSEMBLY AND WAS DISTRACTED BY PERFORMING OTHER TASKS. THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM A POSITIVE FLIGHT CONTROL CHECK PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAD NO ELEVATOR CONTROL, LOST AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONNECT THE ELEVATOR CONTROL DURING ASSEMBLY AND FAILURE TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT CHECK. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS DISTRACTION BY PERFORMING OTHER TASKS DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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