20040601011219A

(-23) On June 1, 2004, about 2130 EDT, a Piper PA-32-300, N21072, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Leominster, MA during a GPS approach to runway 32 at fitchburg airport (fit). The certificated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. A flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR part 91 which originated from manchester airport (mht). The wreckage was examined at the accident site on June 2, 2004, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage was located in a wooded area on the east side of a small hill about 100 feet below the top, approximately 1-3/4 miles southeast of fitchburg airport. The wreckage path was approximately 110 yards long by 12 yards wide on a 60 degree heading, the main part of the fuselage came to rest on its right side on a 025 degree heading. Along the wreckage path were wing skin pieces from the left wing and empennage. The left flap and portions of the stabilator were found approximately 150 feet from the beginning of the debris path. A 3 inch u-shaped dent was observed on the leading edge of one stabilator piece. The cockpit, and a large section of fuselage were destroyed by fire. The right wing was folded over next to the fuselage with the aileron, flap and landing gear still attached. The nose gear was separated from the airplane, and left main landing gear had separated from the left wing and came to rest at the left side of the fuselage. The engine exhibited impact and fire damage, and had separated from the firewall resting in an inverted position. The number one cylinder head had separated from the engine, and was found about 20 feet past the main wreckage. Examination of the cylinder head revealed that the top spark plug could be rotated under hand pressure. Examination of the other cylinders revealed that the lower plugs on the number 3 and number 5 cylinders could also be rotated under hand pressure. All three propeller blades exhibited s-bending and leading edge gouging and separated from the hub assembly and were located about 40 feet beyond the main wreckage. The nose gear attach portion of the lower engine mount had separated and was found about 30 feet beyond the main wreckage. At the time of the accident, weather reported at fitchburg airport (fit) was 3 miles visibility; a temperature of 48 degrees f; winds were 4 KTS. At 080 degrees with an overcast cloud layer at 700 feet AGL. The overcast ceiling was variable from 400 to 1,100 feet AGL.