# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-32R-300

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 2 · 99 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA23FA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA280.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · North Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 2, 2023 · N5524F · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane above its maximum gross weight and near its aft center of gravity limit,…
- [NTSB ERA23FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA181.md): Piper PA32R · Venice, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 6, 2023 · N635BD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation during the initial climb and subsequent steep banking descent into water.
- [NTSB CEN22FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA080.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Bloomington, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 18, 2021 · N5677V · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the instrument landing system (ILS) course guidance, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the presence of turbulence and low-level wind shear.
- [NTSB ERA22FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA026.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Walterboro, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 22, 2021 · N1652H · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR20LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA238.md): Piper PA32R · West Jordan, UT · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2020 · N7677C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the airplane’s speed during takeoff near the airplane’s maximum gross weight in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and led to an aerodynamic stall, loss…
- [NTSB ANC20FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA017.md): Piper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N7632C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational…
- [NTSB ERA18FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA197.md): Piper PA32R · Lincolnton, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2018 · N38523 · Substantial damage
  > 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 the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…
- [NTSB CEN16FA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA261.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Houston, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2016 · N32KK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the open baggage door while operating in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at…
- [NTSB CEN15FA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA342.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Harbor Springs, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2015 · N43829 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees during the approach in dark, night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA15FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA208.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 2015 · N5802V · Destroyed
  > A partial loss of engine power due to contamination in the fuel manifold, which resulted in a collision with terrain shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN14FA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA224.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Highmore, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2014 · N8700E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to remain clear of an unlit wind turbine. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative obstruction light on the wind…
- [NTSB ERA13FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA256.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Macon, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2013 · N4489F · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive postcrash fire and heat damage to the engine components.
- [NTSB ERA12FA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA433.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · New Site, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2012 · N4386F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the inadvertent penetration of a severe thunderstorm, a subsequent loss of control, and in-flight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA12WA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12WA255.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Treasure Cay, Bahamas · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 25, 2012 · N8415C · Substantial damage
  > On March 25, 2012, at 1830 UTC, a Piper PA-32R-300, N8415C, was substantially damaged when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Treasure Cay International Airport (MYAT), Abaco, Bahamas. The two certificated private pilots and two passengers were fatally…
- [NTSB ERA12FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA012.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2011 · N115CL · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11FA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA263.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Fredricktown, MO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2011 · N4085F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt to maintain visual flight by descending below an area of deteriorating forecast weather to an altitude that did not provide adequate terrain clearance.
- [NTSB WPR10FA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA287.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Eagar, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 2010 · N7699F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's operation of the aircraft outside of the manufacturer’s specified performance limitations, which resulted in the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from buildings and terrain during takeoff initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA10FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA180.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Williston, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2010 · N823AG · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The pilots of both airplanes did not maintain an adequate visual lookout to see and avoid each other.
- [NTSB CEN09FA562](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA562.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2009 · N1228H · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and an in-flight collision with a radio tower guy wire.
- [NTSB ERA09MA447](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09MA447.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Hoboken, NJ · Accident · 9 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Aug 8, 2009 · N71MC · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > (1) the inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept, which made it difficult for the airplane pilot to see the helicopter until the final seconds before the collision, and (2) the Teterboro Airport local controller’s nonpertinent telephone conversation,…
- [NTSB CEN09FA393](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA393.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Lakeview, AR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2009 · N38171 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poor judgment/decision making in attempting the no-flap takeoff, his failure to comply with weight and balance limitations, and his failure to calculate the airplane's performance under exiting conditions.
- [NTSB CHI08FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FA054.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Warrens, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2007 · N1919H · Destroyed
  > The decision by the pilot to fly into known adverse weather, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors include the clouds and the night conditions.
- [NTSB NYC07FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA043.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2006 · N8349C · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC07LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07LA027.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2006 · N9430K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to depart into adverse weather conditions. Contributing was the gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB DFW07FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07FA007.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Dry Prong, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2006 · N64GK · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to oil starvation, resulting in an emergency off-airport forced landing. A factor associated with the accident was the instructor's improper in-flight decision in delaying to seek an emergency landing site…
- [NTSB ATL06FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL06FA038.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Camden, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 28, 2006 · N38510 · Destroyed
  > The pilots failure to maintain altitude and clearance during a visual descent which resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and the ground for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB FTW04FA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA235.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Rachel, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2004 · N6209J · Destroyed
  > The total failure of the vacuum pump that resulted in an inoperative attitude gyro and spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of aircraft control by the pilot. Factors were; the prevailing instrument meteorological conditions, and the dark night light…
- [NTSB LAX04FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA102.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Big Pine, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2004 · N8701E · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with mountainous terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB SEA03FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA173.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Warm Lake, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2003 · N6126J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach resulting in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were the rapidly rising terrain and trees.
- [NTSB NYC03FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA021.md): Mooney M10 · Fairfield, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2002 · N9502V · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate visual lookout of both pilots. Factors in the accident were the FAA controller's failure to provide a traffic advisory, the improper decision among the three controllers to leave only one controller in the cab, and night conditions.
- [NTSB MIA02FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02FA067.md): Piper PA32R-300 · Broadway, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 2002 · N4451X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
- [NTSB FTW01LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA158.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Belle Chase, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2001 · N5883V · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a utility pole while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol intoxication and the night light conditions.
- [NTSB LAX01FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01FA113.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Essex, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2001 · N1965H · Destroyed
  > Rupture of the fuel injection flow divider diaphragm due to improper manufacture of the raw material stock from which the diaphragm was fabricated. The diaphragm tear resulted in complete engine power loss, which required the pilot to descend into an…
- [NTSB ANC99FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99FA130.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Bettles, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1999 · N9166K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors in the accident were low ceilings and snow.
- [NTSB FTW99FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA060.md): Piper PA-32-300R · Smackover, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 1999 · N7676C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's spatial disorientation resulting in a loss of control of the airplane and the ensuing stall/spin. Factors were the low ceilings and the night condition.
- [NTSB ATL99FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99FA011.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Roswell, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1998 · N8554C · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to the failure of the number five connecting rod assembly as a result of fatigue cracks that were initiated in areas of galling. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI96FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA314.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Medford, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1996 · N7133C · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the (primary) vacuum system and a restriction in the (standby) vacuum system.
- [NTSB LAX96FA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA226.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Goleta, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1996 · N4303X · Destroyed
  > failure of the flying pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the water. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of recent instrument experience by the…
- [NTSB CHI96FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA113.md): Piper PA-32 · Milwaukee, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 1996 · N3326Q · Destroyed
  > Inadequate maintenance and inspection in that the Airworthiness Directive which applied to the fuel pump had not been complied with. A factor was the pilot was unable to reach land.
- [NTSB MIA95FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95FA183.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Hilton Head Isl, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1995 · N38188 · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the emergency landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's extension of the downwind leg which prevented landing on the intended runway following loss of engine…
- [NTSB ANC95FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95FA101.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Haines, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1995 · N6281J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude above and clearance from the surrounding terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to conduct the maneuver in such close proximity to the rising terrain.
- [NTSB FTW95FA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95FA112.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Conroe, TX · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 1995 · N5373F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to follow published IFR procedures. Factors were the weather conditions, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to activate the approach lighting system.
- [NTSB SEA95FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95FA031.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Grantsville, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1994 · N175MC · Destroyed
  > The VFR pilot's attempt to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ATL94FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94FA171.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Glenville, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1994 · N73AW · Destroyed
  > The fatigue failure of #4 intake valve. A factor was hilly terrain.
- [NTSB BFO94FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA140.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1994 · N4316X · Destroyed
  > The disconnection of the throttle cable from the throttle arm on the fuel injector servo.
- [NTSB BFO94FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA066.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Salem, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 1994 · N8685C · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather…
- [NTSB MIA94FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FA069.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Vicksburg, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 9, 1994 · N1645H · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain the proper glidepath while on a straight in approach resulting in the inflight collision with trees short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the dark night condition.
- [NTSB SEA94FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA040.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Spokane, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1993 · N999VP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the instrument landing system approach course. The pilot's failure to perform a missed approach was a factor.
- [NTSB CHI94FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94FA048.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Antigo, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 1993 · N550BC · Substantial damage
  > the failure of the pilot in command to maintain proper altitude.
- [NTSB CHI94FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94FA018.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Atkinson, NE · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 1993 · N4147Q · Destroyed
  > the instrument rated commercial pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain/obstructions during the initial climb after takeoff. Related factors are the weather conditions (fog) and the pilot's failure to maintain the proper rate of climb.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7103213&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 ('7103213'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7103213

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