Piper PA-32R-301 accident near St. Paul, MN
On July 2, 1997, a Piper PA-32R-301 (airplane) was involved in an accident near St. Paul, MN. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- July 2, 1997
- Place
- St. Paul, MN
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-32R-301 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 1 serious, 1 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 44.929°N, 93.079°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X08307
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 2, 1997, at 0720 central daylight time (cdt), a Piper PA- 32, N83353, operated by Corporate Aviation, Inc., sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees and water after departing from the South St. Paul Municipal Airport, St. Paul, Minnesota. Witnesses reported that the forward baggage door opened during the takeoff. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. One passenger sustained serious injuries and one sustained minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was destined for Fort Dodge, Iowa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. One of the passengers stated he arrived at the airplane around 0630 cdt. He stated the airplane was already out and the pilot and passenger doors were open. He reported the forward baggage door was closed and the pilot went into the hangar to get the key. They opened the baggage door and put a briefcase in. The same passenger stated that since not all the passengers were there yet he decided to make some telephone calls on his cell phone which was in the briefcase. He stated he made the calls and he put the briefcase back in the baggage area once again. He stated he thinks he closed and latched the baggage door, but he was not sure. He reported that he did not "double latch" the door because he knew others were coming and figured they would have baggage to stow. He stated the pilot then went into the hangar to answer the telephone and he went to use the facilities. When he returned the other passengers had arrived at which time they entered the airplane. Th
Probable cause
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.
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Browse: Minnesota · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
