Very fortunate result

[J.O.]

This situation sounds pretty frightening. Well done to the crew.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Pilot reported experiencing severe control problems, squawked 7700, and declared an emergency. Pilot advised aircraft in agressive pitched up attitude. ARFF on standby at Winnipeg. Aircraft arrived safely RWY18 at 2012z.

AMM UPDATE

AMM WAS ADVISED THAT DEPARTING DEER LAKE FOR NORTH SPLIT LAKE THE A/P PITCHED UP, PILOT DISCONNECTED A/P AND THEN TRIM WOULD MOVE ONLY UP. PILOT DIVERTED TO YWG AT REDUCED POWER FOR LEVEL FLIGHT. MAINTENANCE DISCOVERED THAT THE LOCK NUT MECHANISM FROM THE ELEVATOR TRIM TAB DRUM TO THE POTENTIMETER HAD BACKED OFF ENOUGH TO CREATE SLIPPAGE IN THE LINKAGE . TRIM TAB CABLE HAD BEEN REPLACED A FEW MONTHS AGO, COMPANY IS IN PROCESS OF SUBMITTING A SDR.

UPDATE A09C0177:

The Mission Air Piper PA-31-350, C-FSHA, was departing Deer Lake, ON, for North Spirit Lake, ON. The aircraft pitched up during departure. The pilot disengaged the autopilot but found he could not apply nosedown trim. Use of trim was discontinued and the aircraft kept level by the use of power. The pilot declared an emergency and diverted to Winnipeg, MB, with ARFF on standby. Post flight maintenance inspection indicated that a nut had come loose restricting movement of the trim drum mechanism. The company is considering an SDR in consultation with TC.