TIL a loose screw on a Cessna 172 trim tab can make you feel like you're wrestling the yoke

I was doing a post-flight inspection last Tuesday at KPAE after a guy complained the plane didn't want to stay level. Found the trim tab attachment screw had backed out about 3 full threads, making the whole tab rattle at cruise speed. Tightened it with a #1 Phillips and a dab of thread locker, then took it up for a test hop. Smooth as butter after that. Has anyone else had a trim issue trace back to something this simple?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora7354h ago

Huh, I've seen trim tabs get sloppy before but never had it actually fight me that much. Are you sure it wasn't just a loose bolt in the elevator linkage you were feeling?

finleybutler1h ago

@nora735 I'd say no. The trim tab was definitely the problem. Felt like the plane was trying to turn me into a pretzel.