PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 5900; Flight Crew Type 3200
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Annual inspection and repairs just completed for aircraft by FBO. Pilot/owner test flight to determine suitability for return to service and to identify any further issues. Run-up normal and takeoff normal though after passing through 800 ft aircraft abruptly entered a pitch-up which was almost uncontrollable. Autopilot was off and pilot attempted to operate trim wheel which did not improve situation. Pilot pulled engine power back which reduced pressure on elevator and improved pitch control somewhat. Pilot informed ATC and managed to land on Runway 30 without incident; though pitching up and down while flaring. Aircraft taxied back to FBO to identify and resolve problem. Elevator bearings were serviced during the annual so this is the area suspected to be the problem.
The reporter stated that there were no mechanical faults found. Analysis of the incident by the reporter revealed that the elevator trim tab had been left in the full nose up position during maintenance and the trim index was nearly invisible due to age. The fuel load was light and items that were normally stowed in the forward and mid cabin had been moved to the rear during maintenance. When the gear was retracted at 800 feet the nose gear swung aft making the CG situation worse and insufficient time was allowed for the elevator trim tab to move the required amount when actuated.
PA32 pilot reported a sudden pitch up during a test flight after an annual inspection. Elevator trim had no effect; but the aircraft became manageable when power was reduced and they returned to the departure airport.