N3103VCessna 150M · 1974

On December 21, 2025, about 1342 central standard time, a Cessna 150M, N3103V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Prospect Heights, Illinois. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The student pilot was flying solo. He was returning from the practice area and was on final approach. While making an altitude correction, the student pilot applied engine power and applied slight back pressure on the control yoke. He heard a click and realized the yoke was stuck. He initially applied a “decent amount of force” and was unable to move the control. The stuck control resulted in the airplane beginning to climb while on short final. The pilot then added more force to get the yoke to move, he heard another click and the yoke was released and worked again. He then landed and taxied back without any further issues.

Examination afterwards by the pilot and his flight instructor found the support collar at the instrument panel had cracked (see figure below). When the control yoke was moved through its range of motion a certain way, the support collar would cause the yoke to be stuck until aggressive force was applied to free it. Due to the adverse effect on the aircraft’s flight characteristics and the required replacement of the support collar, the airplane sustained substantial damage.

The support collar was removed and retained for further examination.

Figure. Support collar for pilot control yoke.