# NTSB IAD97LA044: Aerospatiale TB-20, N2803A, University Park, PA, January 18, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 18, 1997, 16:35 local (21:35 UTC) - Place: University Park, PA - Coordinates: 40.800376, -77.859985 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8004&lon=-77.8600&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 21, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28174 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA044 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28174/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA044 ## Probable cause the pilot's inability to control the airplane due to a damaged/bent elevator control lever and resultant lack of elevator authority. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb - flt control syst,elevator control - bent (cause) - Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - flt control syst,elevator control - movement restricted (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing ## Analysis The pilot stated that during preflight, the elevator controls 'seemed normal with full travel forward and aft.' After takeoff, the pilot noticed that he could not maintain normal takeoff pitch attitude. The airplane continued an excessive climb rate out of his control, even with full forward yoke. The pilot stated that to control the airplane, power adjustments were needed to keep the nose down. He maneuvered to land on the airport; however, on final approach to land, the airplane stalled just above the runway numbers. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed bending of the elevator control lever due to overload from an undetermined source. ## Factual narrative On January 18, 1997, at about 1635 eastern standard time, a Aerospatiale Trinidad TB-20, N2803A, crashed shortly after takeoff when the pilot, after rotation, experienced elevator control problems. The pilot returned to runway 24 and crashed while attempting an emergency landing at the University Park Airport, State College, Pennsylvania. The pilot and passenger were not injured, however, the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual Flight Rules prevailed, however an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that during preflight the elevator controls "seemed normal with full travel forward and aft". After takeoff, the pilot noticed that he could not maintain normal takeoff pitch attitude and the airplane continued an excessive climb rate out of his control. The pilot state that to control the airplane, power adjustments were needed to keep the nose down. The pilot stalled the airplane on final approach just above the runway numbers. Examination of the wreckage revealed bending of the elevator control lever due to overload from an undetermined source. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2803A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2803A), registered now, S/N 1036 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aerospatiale TB-20 - Registry model: [Socata TB-20 TRINIDAD](https://openairdocs.org/model/socata-tb-20-trinidad) (registry code 8680695) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1036 - Airframe hours: 955 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540-CD D50 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert E. Young - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1996, 82 hours before - Departed: UNV - Destination: ILG, WILMINGTON, DE - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: UNV, University Park, runway 24, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,622 total, 1,760 in this make and model, 2,566 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk - Wind: 280° at 12 knots, gusting 20 - Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft broken - Temperature: 16 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: UNV ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970118047139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970118047139A), Jan 18, 1997: Socata TB20TRINIDAD, State College, PA, Substantial damage. (-16) This accident was caused by a damaged control lever(s) attached to the horizontal stabilizer. The specific cause of bending to this part is still… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.