PIPER PA-28-180 near Perryville, AR — 2011-11-17
Final reportCEN12FA072
- Date
- 2011-11-17
- Location
- Perryville, AR, USA
- Aircraft
- PIPER PA-28-180
- Registration
- N7746W
- Category
- Airplane
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatalities
- 4
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control in flight.
NTSB narrative
About 2 hours after departure, radar data tracked the airplane at 7,000 feet before the airplane then initiated a right, descending turn before disappearing from radar. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying low, descending, making several turns, before impacting terrain. Impact signatures were consistent with a steep, nose-low attitude. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The reason for the pilot's loss of control could not be determined.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Human factors
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot and passenger lacked documentation for night landing currency with passengers.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- ADS-B / radar
- Photos
- 8 docket documents
Docket documents8
- Witness Statementsinterview
- Witness Statements: Record of conversations with FBO personnelinterview
- Photo 1: Initial impact point, impact crater, and wreckagephotos
- Photo 2: Airplane's propellerphotos
- Photo 3: Long range radar dataphotos
- Photo 4: Short range radar dataphotos
- Photo 5: Airplane's heat muffler and shroudphotos
- Toxicological Reportreport
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