Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32R-300 near North Myrtle Beach, SC — 2023-07-02

Final reportERA23FA280
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Date
2023-07-02
Location
North Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Airport
CRE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32R-300
Registration
N5524F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
5
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

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, which reduced its climb performance and degraded its handling qualities.

Contributing factors

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, which reduced its climb performance and degraded its handling qualities.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported the airplane appeared to have difficulty gaining altitude after takeoff. He stated the engine sounded muffled and underpowered, and the airplane exhibited a high angle of attack with minimal altitude gain. He saw the airplane enter a slow right turn before the right wing dropped and the airplane descended rapidly in a right turn. The airplane collided with trees and terrain on a golf course and was consumed by postimpact fire. The witness statement, debris path, and impact signatures were consistent with a loss of control and aerodynamic stall. During a postaccident examination of the wreckage, flight control continuity was confirmed. The fuel selector was found in the off position; however, fuel was present in the engine-driven fuel pump, fuel servo, and flow divider, therefore impact forces likely resulted in the as-found position of the fuel selector. The engine crankshaft rotated freely and the cylinders displayed normal compression, suction, and valve operation. Overall, the postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airframe or engine. The airplane was topped off with fuel two days before the accident, and there was no evidence to indicate that additional flights were conducted between that refueling and the accident flight. The combined weight of the fuel, occupants, and luggage indicated that the airplane was likely operating above its maximum gross weight and near its aft center of gravity (CG) limit at the time of the accident. Additionally, the reported weather conditions about the time of the accident resulted in a calculated density altitude of about 2,000 ft. Given this information, the airplane’s overweight condition and the slightly elevated density altitude likely resulted in the airplane’s degraded climb performance during the initial climb, as described by the witness. Additionally, the airplane’s aftward CG loading likely degraded its handling characteristics and contributed to the pilot’s loss of control during initial climb.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to engine performance issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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