Narrative:

Departing in normal configuration noted that forward pressure on controls excessive; retracted flaps as per SOP; and pressure increased; also with speed pressure increased. Manual trim unresponsive. Trim wheel spun freely for several revolutions. Apparently elevator trim was jammed without ability to control manually or electrically. After consulting checklist discussed feasibility of no-flap landing; and after assessment determined a partial or full flap landing may be feasible. We therefore decided to return to our departure airport; and slowly tested flaps. Pressures were enough that knee was used behind the control column to counteract. Estimate 75-85 pounds at speeds over 200 KTS. One hundred pounds at 250 KTS; estimated. We managed neutral control pressures in the 140 to 180 KTS speed range at altitude after flap extension and therefore decided a full flap landing was feasible. The overweight landing was uneventful; and notifications and write ups were completed. This is the third citation near disaster elevator trim malfunction I have experienced; I suggest possibly adding a thorough inspection to the system csi checklist if other crews have had similar problems. The other instances were mis-rigged elevator trim causing severe pitch up. The third instance was the trim mechanism had somehow been reversed (older citation) causing reverse trim response.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A C560XL Captain reported the aircraft's elevator trim was jammed on takeoff and unresponsive either electrically or mechanically. Excessive control forces were required to control the aircraft. The crew returned to the departure airport.

Narrative: Departing in normal configuration noted that forward pressure on controls excessive; retracted flaps as per SOP; and pressure increased; also with speed pressure increased. Manual trim unresponsive. Trim wheel spun freely for several revolutions. Apparently elevator trim was jammed without ability to control manually or electrically. After consulting checklist discussed feasibility of no-flap landing; and after assessment determined a partial or full flap landing may be feasible. We therefore decided to return to our departure airport; and slowly tested flaps. Pressures were enough that knee was used behind the control column to counteract. Estimate 75-85 LBS at speeds over 200 KTS. One hundred pounds at 250 KTS; estimated. We managed neutral control pressures in the 140 to 180 KTS speed range at altitude after flap extension and therefore decided a full flap landing was feasible. The overweight landing was uneventful; and notifications and write ups were completed. This is the third Citation near disaster elevator trim malfunction I have experienced; I suggest possibly adding a thorough inspection to the system CSI checklist if other crews have had similar problems. The other instances were Mis-rigged elevator trim causing severe pitch up. The third instance was the trim mechanism had somehow been reversed (older Citation) causing reverse trim response.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.