SA-227 AC Metro III
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
I conducted a preflight in preparation for an OCF (Operational Check Flight) flight. There was a trim issue that was worked on that needed to be validated OK and fixed. Trim controls; position indicators; and elevator position checked off OK and in good condition during trim test on the ground. I was cleared for departure. During take off roll I adjusted the trim up for climb. The trim controls stopped working the moment the wheels lifted off of the runway. It was difficult to maintain altitude assigned since the aircraft kept climbing. I had immediately advised Tower Control and Departure of the situation and requested a higher altitude clearance while I attempted to control the aircraft for a runaway/stuck trim setting via QRH and memory items. I requested a deviation back to the airport. I was also notified by the previous pilot who flew the aircraft that trim worked when the auto pilot was engaged but found another issue with the aircraft when the auto pilot was not engaging. I requested a visual approach and landed with no incident. Proper squawk entries were made in the maintenance log for an unsuccessful OCF. Shortly after takeoff roll when the wheels came off the runway and further noticed other issues after the climb. This was an unusual occurrence and didn't quite add up systematically. I am unsure what caused the event. Memory items needed to take control of the aircraft and QRH. I [notified ATC] and a deviation back to the airport.
A pilot reported trim controls malfunctioned and returned to the airport.