VAN NUYS, CA, USA
N2781E
CESSNA 172
THE NONCERTIFICATED STUDENT PILOT WAS DEPARTING ON A LOCAL SOLO FLIGHT. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE STUDENT PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE CHECKLIST AND FAILED TO DETERMINE THE TRIM TAB POSITION. ON LIFTOFF WITH THE TRIM TAB IN THE FULL NOSE DOWN POSITION THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE PROPER ELEVATOR CONTROL. THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO RESET THE TRIM AFTER REACHING ABOUT 20 FT ABOVE THE GROUND AND ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. THE STUDENT PILOT WAS UNABLE TO FLARE THE AIRPLANE AND LANDED HARD ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FIREWALL AND NOSE GEAR.
THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST TO ASSURE THAT THE TRIM TAB WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, MISREADING OF THE TRIM SETTING, AND EXESSIVE NOSE DOWN ELEVATOR TRIM TAB.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
