Casualties unknown

Stall During Touch-and-Go Leads to Crash; Elevator Trim Found Near Full Nose Up (N31328)

Greenville, SC, US

On May 29, 1995, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N31328) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. A factor was his failure to reposition the elevator trim. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing, the front seat pilot of an airplane initiated a steep left turn at low altitude, resulting in a stall. Post-crash examination revealed the elevator trim was nearly full nose up.

Incident Overview

According to a statement from the rear seat pilot-rated passenger, two touch-and-go landings had been completed by that individual. After the second landing, the front seat pilot assumed control of the airplane to perform another touch-and-go. During the subsequent maneuver, a steep left turn was initiated at an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet above ground level. The airplane then entered an aerodynamic stall.

Post-Crash Examination

Following the crash, investigators examined the wreckage. The elevator trim tab was found to be positioned nearly full nose up. No other mechanical anomalies were reported in the source material.

Toxicology Testing

Toxicology tests conducted post-crash on the front seat pilot detected the presence of antidepressant medication. The levels were noted to be below the therapeutic range. Toxicology test results for the rear seat pilot-rated passenger were requested from the hospital, but the hospital reported that no such tests had been performed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.