The airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain short of the runway at about 1455 Mountain time. The solo pilot received serious injuries; visual conditions prevailed. The pilot reported losing pitch authority while in cruise flight at 12,500 msl. He maneuvered the airplane to a nearby airport in an effort to land. However, when he lowered the landing gear, while on final to the runway, the airplane abruptly pitched over and collided with terrain. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both the left and right ruddervators had separated from the stabilizer assembly during the flight.
May 2, 2007 in Kayenta, Ariz., Beech V35B
The airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain short of the runway at about 1455 Mountain time. The solo pilot received serious injuries; visual conditions prevailed. The pilot reported losing pitch authority while in cruise flight at 12,500 msl. He maneuvered the airplane to a nearby airport in an effort to land.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane was substantially damaged and its solo pilot seriously injured after losing pitch authority in cruise flight and colliding with terrain short of a runway during an emergency landing attempt.
- The pilot reported the aircraft abruptly pitched over when the landing gear was lowered on final approach.
- Post-accident examination revealed that both ruddervators had separated from the stabilizer assembly during the flight, causing the loss of pitch control.
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