On September 24, 1995, a Beech F33A (registration N3176G) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmingdale, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain pitch control of the airplane during the initial climb after lift-off, which resulted in a steep climb, loss of airspeed, and a resultant stall/spin and subsequent crash. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an airplane take off from runway 14, then enter a steep nose-high attitude, spin, and crash. Post-accident examination found the elevator trim in the full nose-up position and no mechanical failures. Toxicology detected antidepressants not approved for flying.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the airplane departed from runway 14. During the initial climb after lift-off, the aircraft assumed a steep, nose-high attitude. It subsequently entered a spin, descended, and crashed.
Aircraft Examination
Following the accident, the elevator trim was found in the full nose-up position. An examination of the main pitch servo and pitch trim servo revealed no mechanical malfunction. Investigators found no preimpact mechanical failure of the airplane or its engine.
Toxicology Test
A toxicology test conducted on a liver specimen from the pilot detected 2.6 mg/kg of Imipramine and 5.9 mg/kg of Desipramine. These substances are antidepressants, which are not approved for use while operating an aircraft.