# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-32R-301

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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA24FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA176.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Knoxville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 12, 2024 · N9236J · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to depart into an area of instrument meteorological and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and a subsequent in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB GAA23WA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA23WA165.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Stella Maris, Bahamas · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Jun 9, 2023 · N9253M · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA23FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA108.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 11, 2023 · N43156 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.
- [NTSB ERA16FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA001.md): Piper PA32R · Westminster, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2015 · N782TM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN14FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA042.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Kirksville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2013 · N408DM · Destroyed
  > A loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the private pilot's impairment due to a sedating antihistamine and both pilots' fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN14FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA014.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Huntsville, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2013 · N888TP · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into an area of known rain with reduced visibility and his failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane after entering these conditions.
- [NTSB ANC12FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12FA066.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2012 · N432LT · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB ERA10FA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA409.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Washington, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2010 · N220ST · Substantial damage
  > The manufacturer's inadequate quality control and improper manufacture of the fuel servo diaphragm assembly, which resulted in fatigue cracking of the hub stud and subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB NYC07FA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA226.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Whitfield, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2007 · N109PA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s intentional flight into known thunderstorms.
- [NTSB IAD05FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05FA125.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · West Chester, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2005 · N9285R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to abort the landing after the airplane contacted the runway. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was extended during the landing.
- [NTSB ATL04FA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04FA190.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Euharlee, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2004 · N801SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane, which resulted in the pilot exceeding the design limits of the airplane and subsequent in-flight separation.
- [NTSB NYC04FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA092.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Harlan, KY · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2004 · N8173U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were night, snow and a low ceiling.
- [NTSB FTW04FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA054.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Beaumont, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 2004 · N396HP · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance with a static line. Contributing factors were the low cloud ceiling weather conditions and night light conditions.
- [NTSB ATL04FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04FA023.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Spencer, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2003 · N69190 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in an inadvertent stall and the subsequent collision with the ground.
- [NTSB MIA03FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA122.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Carthage, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2003 · N232HC · Destroyed
  > The failure of the non-instrument rated pilot to following the in-flight weather avoidance assistance instructions offered by the controller and his continued flight into known adverse weather condition (thunderstorm), resulting in overload failure of the…
- [NTSB CHI02FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA034.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Spearville, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2001 · N9224X · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his inadvertent flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's limited ability to see at night, spatial disorientation, the dark night, and the fog.
- [NTSB ATL01FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01FA105.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Byhalia, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2001 · N8398Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper evaluation of weather conditions which lead to an inflight encounter with turbulent weather resulting in an in flight break up of the airframe, and subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. A factor was the pilot's drug impairment.
- [NTSB IAD01FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01FA070.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Greenwich, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2001 · N13VH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were the fog, and the pilot's use of a sedating medication.
- [NTSB NYC00FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00FA248.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · South Kingstown, RI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2000 · N8230G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control, and his subsequent overstress of the airplane after a vacuum system failure during flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors included the instrument meteorological conditions, a sheared coupling on the vacuum pump,…
- [NTSB IAD00FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00FA076.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Kennebunkport, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2000 · N411JL · Substantial damage
  > Fracture of the #4 connecting rod for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor was the forced ocean ditching.
- [NTSB NYC99MA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99MA178.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Vineyard Haven, MA · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1999 · N9253N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a descent over water at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze, and the dark night.
- [NTSB LAX99FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA138.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Warner Springs, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 1999 · N9254Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot disregarded his weather briefing and attempted flight into areas of forecast and reported icing and moderate to severe turbulence. The airplane encountered mountain wave activity resulting in an overload condition and in-flight separation of the…
- [NTSB NYC99LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA063.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Dulles, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 1999 · N3559U · No damage
  > The FBO employee's diverted attention, resulting in an inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller.
- [NTSB MIA99FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99FA034.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Olive Branch, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1998 · N83396 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to follow IFR procedures when he descended below the published minimum descent altitude.
- [NTSB CHI97FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA200.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · St. Paul, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1997 · N83353 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Related factors were the pilot's diverted attention and gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB BFO94FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA021.md): Piper PA32R-301 · Butler, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1993 · N707JS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain proper altitude. The weather conditions were a factor.
- [NTSB NYC93FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93FA080.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Lapeer, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1993 · N292SP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper inflight decision to continue flight into known icing conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain updated weather information prior to departure, the icing conditions, and the degraded…
- [NTSB NYC91LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA029.md): Piper PA-32-301R · Alton, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1990 · N8473H · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the unsuitable terrain in which the forced landing was made.
- [NTSB FTW87FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87FA123.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Porter, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 1987 · N81796 · Destroyed
  > Acft was observed in a rt bank when it experienced an inflt breakup. Both wings, vert stab and rudder, and the horz stab and trim tab separated prior to impact. Wx was dark night with scattered to broken cloud cover, but VFR. Although a wx rpt 33 NM northwest…
- [NTSB LAX86LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA033.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · San Diego, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1985 · N2512Y · Destroyed
  > The flt departed in VFR conditions after a wx briefing which indicated that clear skies and unrestricted visibilty existed and were forecasted at the destination airport. On arrival the plt requested and received clearance for an instrument apch. When the flt…
- [NTSB MIA85LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA209.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Bahamas, Bahamas · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1985 · N8341L · Destroyed
  > The acft failed to arrive at it's intended destination on a flt from nassau, Bahamas to opa locka arpt, miami, FL. The acft was reported missing by the miami fss. The U.S. Coast guard initiated a search on 07-12-85 at about 1831 EDT & search was suspended on…
- [NTSB BFO85FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85FA002.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Salisbury, MD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1984 · N81752 · Destroyed
  > After contacting millville fss 4 times for wx info the acft departed lincoln park, NY, at 1858 EDT with destination listed on the IFR flt plan as easton, MD. En route the plt diverted to Salisbury, MD, due to wx. After being cleared forthe rwy 32 ILS the acft…
- [NTSB FTW80FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80FA118.md): Piper PA-32 · Smithfield, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 19, 1980 · N8194Y · Destroyed

## 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 ('7103218'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7103218

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