Accident Overview
The owner-pilot was accompanied by his two nephews, aged 19 and 8. The 19-year-old occupied the right front seat and, according to an associate, was a single-engine pilot with no multi-engine instruction. However, no FAA records were found to verify that he held a pilot certificate. The pilot reported 1,200 hours of total flight time during a medical examination on August 12, 1982.
Witness Observations
Approximately five miles north of Montgomery County Airport, two ground witnesses, both pilots, saw the Piper Apache in level flight at about 1,000 feet above ground level with the right propeller feathered. After they took off in their own aircraft, they tuned into the Montgomery County advisory frequency to listen for transmissions from the Apache. They heard the pilot of an Apache report on the downwind leg but heard no mention of an engine problem or emergency.
Other witnesses on the airport and under the base leg for Runway 14 observed the Apache turn to final approach with the right propeller still feathered. The aircraft then rolled into a right descending nose-down attitude and crashed in a steep descent.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.