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Airplane Crashes After Takeoff; Elevator Trim Found Full Nose-Up and Pilot Had Antidepressants in System (N3176G)

Farmingdale, NY, US

On September 24, 1995, a Beech F33A (registration N3176G) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmingdale, NY. One person was killed. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Sept 1995 Beech F33A accident near Farmingdale, NY?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Sept 1995 Beech F33A accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Sept 1995 involved a Beech F33A, registration N3176G, at Farmingdale, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of the pilot to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.