Accident Overview
A pilot experienced an elevator trim malfunction during a flight, leading to a stall and spin that ended with the aircraft impacting the ground. The incident occurred after a normal takeoff and during a turn to a crosswind leg.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that a neighbor had flown the aircraft earlier in the day and had problems adjusting the elevator trim while airborne. Before his own takeoff, the pilot checked the trim and found it working normally; he set it for cruise and executed a normal takeoff. While turning to a crosswind leg, he attempted to adjust the elevator trim but it would not operate. To relieve the airload on the stabilizer, the pilot pulled back on the stick to enter a climb, then released the back pressure to put the aircraft in a near-zero 'G' condition. Still unable to move the trim, he pulled up again, but more aggressively. This time, the aircraft stalled and entered a spin. The pilot was unable to recover before the aircraft hit the ground.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the elevator trim was in a slight nose-down position. However, no preimpact or mechanical malfunction was detected. The exact cause of the trim's unresponsiveness remained undetermined, as the system functioned normally during post-accident examination.