N7278R

On December 3, 1998, at 0500 central standard time, a Beech 58, N7278R, sustained substantial damage on impact with the terrain, one-quarter mile south of Todd Field, near Ankeny, Iowa. The commercial rated pilot reported IMC conditions during the takeoff on runway 17. He told Federal Aviation Administration officials that the airplane lifted off near the end of the 2,300 foot runway, but was unable to maintain flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight with the intended destination of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

In his original face to face interview with Federal Aviation Administration inspectors the pilot did not mention control "resistance;" however, in his written statement he said that there was a "lot of resistance on the yoke as I pulled back." And went on to say that when the airplane lifted off from the runway, "All of a sudden the resistance gave way and the aircraft popped into the air." He went on to say that the airplane was unable to maintain flight, attaining an altitude of about 25 to 50 feet above ground lever prior to descending and impacting the terrain. The pilot did not report any engine malfunction at the time of the accident.

A post accident examination of the airplane and engines failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies. An examination of the flight control system found no anomalies. Control continuity was compromised behind the instrument panel during the impact sequence.