No fatalities

Piper PA-32-260 and Piper PA-28-181 Collide in Midair (N3293W)

Westerly, RI, US

On January 20, 1987, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3293W) was involved in an aviation accident near Westerly, RI. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-32-260 taking off from an uncontrolled airport collided with a Piper PA-28-181 transiting 1 mile south at 1500 ft AGL. The PA-32-260's right main landing gear struck the PA-28-181's left wing tip. Both aircraft landed safely.

Incident Overview

A midair collision occurred between a Piper PA-32-260 and a Piper PA-28-181 near an uncontrolled airport. The PA-32-260 was taking off and executing a left downwind departure, while the PA-28-181 was transiting the area approximately 1 mile south of the airport at an altitude of 1500 ft above ground level.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of the PA-28-181 observed the PA-32-260 just before the collision and initiated a descending right turn. The right main landing gear wheel of the PA-32-260 struck the aft portion of the left wing tip of the PA-28-181. The pilot of the PA-32-260 reported not seeing the other aircraft prior to contact. However, two passengers aboard the PA-32-260, seated in the right front and right rear seats, both saw the PA-28-181 before the collision.

Aircraft Damage

The PA-28-181 sustained destruction of the right outboard aileron hinge, with the aileron bent backward and upward. The PA-32-260 received a small cut on the right main landing gear tire and a scrape on the outer portion of the wheel rim.

Aftermath

Both aircraft landed safely following the collision. No further details regarding occupants or injuries were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1987 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Westerly, RI?

A Piper PA-32-260 taking off from an uncontrolled airport collided with a Piper PA-28-181 transiting 1 mile south at 1500 ft AGL. The PA-32-260's right main landing gear struck the PA-28-181's left wing tip. Both aircraft landed safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jan 1987 Piper PA-32-260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1987 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3293W, at Westerly, RI.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30140. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.