Piper PA 30 accident near Marion, IN
On November 29, 2018, a Piper PA 30 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Marion, IN. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- November 29, 2018
- Place
- Marion, IN
- Aircraft
- Piper PA 30 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 40.481°N, 85.683°W
- NTSB ID
- 20181129X70430
Official records · CEN19FA035
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn November 29, 2018, about 1421 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-30 (Twin Comanche) airplane, N7751Y, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Marion Municipal Airport, Marion, Indiana. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight. According to information from a sheriff's deputy, on the day before the accident, fixed-based operator employees observed the pilot performing ground engine runs outside of his hangar. According to family members, the pilot, who was also an airframe and powerplant mechanic, had been troubleshooting an unspecified fuel system problem with the left engine. A family member described the accident flight as a "test flight." Witnesses reported that, after departure, the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 500 ft above ground level and began a left turn. During the left turn, the airplane "nose-dived" in a downward spiral. The airplane then impacted terrain, and a post-impact fire ensued. PERSONNEL INFORMATIONThe pilot's logbook was not located during the investigation. An estimate of the pilot's flight time was determined based on his most recent airman medical application. AIRCRAFT INFORMATIONThe airframe, engine, and propeller logbooks were not located during the investigation. The airplane was registered to the pilot on December 17, 2008.
Probable cause
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following a loss of the left engine power shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the loss of left engine power due most likely to a fuel system issue that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
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Browse: Indiana · 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.
