MD87 Down near Houston

[GDR]

Isn't it still necessary to do control checks prior to take off.

[J.O.]

It sure is, Greg. Unfortunately, in spite of the NTSB identifying poor checklist discipline as a significant causal factor in many business aircraft accidents, that sector of the industry continues to struggle with the issue.

[JL]

...however, due to aircraft flight control design, the flight control check would not have alerted the crew to the condition of the geared control tab which effectively jammed the elevator in the trailing edge down position.