With the yolk lock pin in the locked position the aircraft could be taxied on the airport. However, upon rotation, the pilot then would have no control over his elevators. Meaning the pilot would not be able to control the aircrafts climb or descent. It was reported that the pilot suffered a heart attack when he realized what he’d done.
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May 20, 2000, Kent Chatagnier, pilot along with 5 passengers boarded a Beechcraft Baron –55 for a flight to Galliano, Louisiana. The passengers were headed on a fishing trip in Louisiana. The instrument rated pilot, completed his preflight check and departed runway 22 at Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas.
Upon takeoff a witness observed the twin-engine aircraft nose pitched up to a 70-80 degree nose high attitude, then momentarily pitched down and immediately pitched nose high. The aircraft then rolled to the left and crashed to the ground. Upon investigation, it was learned that during the ground preflight, the pilot failed to pull the steering lock from the yolk column. The yolk lock is used to secure the aircraft while on the ground in a parked position from light to heavy winds.
