# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-32-260

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 4 · 152 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA069.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Rio Linda, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Dec 24, 2025 · N2785Q · Substantial damage
  > On December 24, 2025, at approximately 1230 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N2785Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rio Linda, California. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger was…
- [NTSB WPR24FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA105.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Madras, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N3264W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with turbulence and structural icing conditions, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA24WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA049.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 4, 2023 · N15902
- [NTSB ERA23FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA185.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Sebastian, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 7, 2023 · N44588 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ANC23LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA002.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cordova, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 16, 2022 · N3432W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA208.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 22, 2022 · N85CT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff due to degraded engine performance. Contributing to the accident was the reduced performance of the engine, the reason for which could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN22FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA131.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Fostoria, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 23, 2022 · N3952W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in night instrument meteorological conditions during the procedure turn of an instrument approach due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA22WA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA067.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Chame, Panama · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Jan 3, 2022 · N5535J
- [NTSB GAA21WA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA163.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Leogane, Haiti · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 2, 2021 · N8694N · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN21FA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA263.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Madisonville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 14, 2021 · N3258W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during final approach for landing, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB GAA21WA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA099.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Monterrey, Mexico · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 29, 2021 · N15349 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR21FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA114.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 19, 2021 · N57014 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 6 exhaust valve for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA20FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA085.md): Piper PA32 · Lake City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 25, 2020 · N55455 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN20WA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA024.md): Piper PA32 · Kingston, Canada · Accident · 7 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 28, 2019 · N50DK · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN19RA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19RA145.md): Piper PA32 · Roatán, Honduras · Accident · 5 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 18, 2019 · N260TM · Substantial damage
  > import
- [NTSB ERA18FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA022.md): Piper PA32 · Fountain Run, KY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2017 · N3371W · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…
- [NTSB ANC13FAMS2](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13FAMS2.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Yakutat, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Sep 9, 2013 · N3705W · Destroyed
  > Undetermined because the pilot and airplane were not found.
- [NTSB CEN12FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA108.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Bryan, TX · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2011 · N3590T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe weather, which resulted in the airplane’s left wing failing in positive overload. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on outdated weather information that he received on his in-cockpit…
- [NTSB CEN12FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA097.md): Piper PA-32-260 · St. Ignace, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2011 · N33315 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain adequate altitude.
- [NTSB WPR09FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA038.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Sedona, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2008 · N3929W · Destroyed
  > The partial loss of engine power while maneuvering for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC08FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA180.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cruso, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2008 · N64FP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to severe turbulence prevailing. Contributing to the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence.
- [NTSB NYC07FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FAMS1.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Westhampton, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Aug 25, 2007 · N5067T · Destroyed
  > Undetermined. The airplane remains missing.
- [NTSB ATL07FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07FA102.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Tyringham, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2007 · N5595J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with thunderstorms during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure of air traffic control to appropriately issue weather information and initiate an in-flight deviation around known and clearly observed…
- [NTSB ATL06FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL06FA102.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Suches, GA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2006 · N3380W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to retract the wing flaps and his decision to make a turn while performing a go-around.
- [NTSB DEN04FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04FA115.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Mineral Wells, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2004 · N3352W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the low altitude.
- [NTSB MIA04FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04FA086.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Venice, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 20, 2004 · N3331W · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to recover from an improper landing flare resulting in his failure to maintain airspeed (Vs), an inadvertant stall, loss of control, and inflight collision with terrain during an uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB CHI04FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA044.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Brooklyn, IA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2003 · N3733W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate planning/decision resulting in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance resulting in in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, his…
- [NTSB MIA02FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02FA045.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2001 · N7701J · Destroyed
  > The pilot becoming spatially disoriented and losing control of the airplane during a missed approach resulting in the airplane descending uncontrolled and colliding with trees and the ground.
- [NTSB MIA01LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01LA212.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Key West, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2001 · N5569J · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent disabling of the throttle in the idle position during a cockpit disturbance created when an armed hijacker forcibly attempted to cause the aircraft to fly to Cuba, resulting in a loss of controllability of power for sustainable flight and an…
- [NTSB SEA01FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01FA145.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Puyallup, WA · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2001 · N3479W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during departure resulting in a stall. Trees were a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB CHI01FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA233.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Chenoa, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2001 · N27AP · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent stall the pilot encountered during his turn with an in-flight loss of engine power due to fuel starvation on initial climbout and the improper in-flight decision he made to continue the turn. Factors were the fuel starvation and the incorrect…
- [NTSB NYC99FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA220.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Westerly, RI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1999 · N4830S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during a turn.
- [NTSB NYC99FA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA187.md): Piper PA-32-260 · North Lima, OH · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1999 · N5526J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during a turn. Factors include the pilot's failure maintain sufficient airspeed, and his failure to maintain the airplane in proper trim.
- [NTSB CHI98LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA102.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Mc Cordsville, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1998 · N55059 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and control of the airplane. Factors were his self-induced pressure.
- [NTSB NYC98FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA041.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Pittsville, MD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1997 · N3448W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors…
- [NTSB MIA98FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA007.md): Beech 35-C33A · Robbins, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 1997 · N2050W · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilots in both aircraft to see-and-avoid each other's airplane (inadequate visual lookout), and failure of the Beech pilot to operate his airplane at a correct Visual Flight Rules (VFR) cruising altitude for his route of flight.
- [NTSB NYC97FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA025.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Felton, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1996 · N5538J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his failure to refuel which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent collision with trees during the forced landing.
- [NTSB MIA95LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA158.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Brooksville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1995 · N3431W · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB MIA95FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95FA145.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Gainesville, FL · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1995 · N41481 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation after continuing the VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the existing weather conditions and dark night that contributed to the pilot's…
- [NTSB MIA95LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA144.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Vieques, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 1995 · N41528 · Substantial damage
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB CHI95LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA120.md): Piper PA-32-260 · St. Clair, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 1995 · N3631W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs which led to his operating the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency.
- [NTSB NYC95FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95FA068.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 1995 · N57326 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Darkness was a factor related to the improper planning/decision-making for the emergency landing.
- [NTSB BFO94FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA144.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1994 · N3701W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance, his improper in-flight decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in in-flight collision with terrain. The high terrain and weather conditions were…
- [NTSB ANC94FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC94FA106.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Kenai, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1994 · N4839S · Destroyed
  > Inadequate engine maintenance and/or inspection, and fatigue cracking of the engine case, which resulted in eventual damage to the #3 cylinder studs/engine through-bolts, subsequent separation of the #3 cylinder and piston, and an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB NYC94FA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA134.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Minford, OH · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1994 · N33468 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument departure procedure. A factor in the accident were the weather conditions.
- [NTSB MIA94FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FA175.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Gulf Of Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1994 · N3610W · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to an undetermined reason. A factor related to the accident was: inadequate passenger briefing by the pilot.
- [NTSB SEA94FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA106.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Kellogg, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1994 · N7659C · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation, while flying with partial panel, and the design stress limits of the aircraft being exceeded. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the vacuum system, which resulted…
- [NTSB NYC93FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93FA012.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Pulaski, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 1992 · N31953 · Destroyed
  > The improper decision by the non-instrument-rated pilot to continue VFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident were the actions…
- [NTSB ATL92FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92FA102.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Greenville, NC · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 15, 1992 · N2259T · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's self-induced pressure to make the flight, and his lack of total…
- [NTSB NYC91FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA194.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Monongahela, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1991 · N3722W · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to achieve a proper touchdown on the runway due to diverted attention, pressure, and other psychological condition.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7103206&fatal=1&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7103206'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7103206

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