Bonanza 36
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 1.5; Flight Crew Total 2100; Flight Crew Type 900
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
On climbout; the annunciator lights on my King autopilot and annunciator panel lit up; announcing an autopilot failure and pitch trim (electrical) failure. Cycling the circuit breakers did not correct this issue. I briefly noted that due to the pitch trim failure; and despite pulling the circuit breakers; the pitch trim was frozen and not moveable. I quickly depressed the autopilot disconnect button on the yoke; and this returned manual operation of the pitch trim wheel; although I needed to repeat this action several times. I promptly notified Departure (I was on VFR Flight Following at the time) of my problem and of my intent to return immediately. I did not declare an emergency; but I was greeted by Emergency equipment (i.e. fire truck) upon my safe and uneventful landing.
BE36 pilot experiences electric elevator trim failure during climbout with the autopilot engaged; annunciated by autopilot and trim warning lights. Once the autopilot is turned off manual pitch trim functions normally and the flight returns to the departure airport.