M-20 J (201) / Allegro
Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 0; Flight Crew Total 3685; Flight Crew Type 2950
Confusion; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors
Ferry flight for annual inspection after extensive repair. Aircraft was put in proper configuration for take off. Although trim was set properly in the cockpit mechanics had not calibrated it and trim was in reality in the full down position even though indicator was set to take off position. After reaching flying speed and rotating at 72 knots aircraft lifted off but only to about five feet in the air when major nose down forces were fought as air flow over the mis-rigged tail forced the nose down. Aircraft hit runway on its mains and bounced about 10 feet in the air even though power was at full idle. It porpoised back to runway again and also a third time before it was brought under control. Focus was put on keeping wings level and getting plane back safely on the ground. In the process there was one prop tip that grazed the runway.
A mis-rigged elevator trim following major maintenance; which resulted in full nose down trim when indicating in the 'takeoff' range; contributed to the inability of the pilot of an M20 to remain airborne after lift off. Upon abandoning the takeoff and attempting to land on the remaining runway one prop blade struck the runway.