Accident Cessna 421C N51ER, Tuesday 29 May 2001

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Date:	Tuesday 29 May 2001
Time:	07:15 LT
Type:	Cessna 421C
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N51ER
MSN:	421C0280
Total airframe hrs:	5250 hours
Engine model:	Teledyne Cont GTSI0520L4B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 8
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Greenville, MS - United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Ashburton Airport (ASG/NZAS)
Destination airport:	Destin Airport, FL (DSI/KDTS)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The airplane experienced a flight control problem while in cruise flight. The airplane exhibited a nose-down pitch tendency. The pilot executed a controlled descent to the nearest airport and executed a gear-up, no-flap landing on the runway. Neither the pilot nor the seven passengers were injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed the right elevator trim tab was not attached to the right elevator. The push-pull rod was not connected to the right elevator trim tab horn, and the bolt and hardware that connected the push-pull rod to the right elevator trim tab horn were missing. The trim actuator rod was bent.

Probable Cause: The improper installation by maintenance personnel of the push-pull rod assembly on the right elevator trim tab horn resulted in an in-flight separation of the right elevator trim tab.

Accident investigation: