On April 19, 1986, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N6661Z) operated by Ray Couliette was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft impacted the ground right wing first after developing a high sink rate during a 45-degree intercept to final with 30 degrees of bank and full flaps. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent but was unable.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was conducting an intercept to the final approach leg at a 45-degree angle. During this maneuver, the aircraft maintained 30 degrees of bank and full flaps. A high sink rate developed, leading to a collision with the ground. The right wing struck the terrain first.
Pilot Actions
The pilot sensed the aircraft sinking and attempted to stop the descent by applying power and reducing the bank angle. He stated that he was unable to arrest the descent and could not '3PT it' before impact. The pilot had only recently begun flight operations at this locality.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the time of the accident was computed to be 3,800 feet.