Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA587

Lubbock, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N5836B

Beech 36

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll and while the airplane was about 60 knots, it lifted off in a nose-high attitude, and the stall warning horn actuated. He added that, about 20 ft above ground level, the airplane rotated to the right, but he overcorrected, and the left wingtip struck the runway. Shortly after, he landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim was set to nose high and that he should have used a pretakeoff checklist to verify that the elevator trim was set to the takeoff position.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, about 60 knots, the airplane lifted off in nose high attitude and the stall warning horn actuated. About 20 feet above the ground, the airplane rotated to the right, but he overcorrected, and the left-wing tip struck the runway. Shortly after, he landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was 230° at 9 knots. The pilot reported the wind was calm. The airplane departed from runway 35L. The pilot added that post-accident the elevator trim was found set to nose high, and that he should have used a pre-takeoff checklist to verify the elevator trim was set to the takeoff position.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper pitch trim setting during takeoff in a left quartering tailwind, which resulted in the airplane abruptly pitching up and subsequently experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow a preflight checklist and verify that the elevator trim tab was in the takeoff position.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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