On December 15, 1988, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N3110Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Arvada, WY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper aircraft (N3110Q) crashed near Arvada, Wyoming after entering clouds during a night formation flight. No mechanical failures were found; the stabilator and left wing separated in flight.
Accident Overview
On a night flight under a cloud layer, two aircraft were flying together in loose formation near Arvada, Wyoming. The pilot of the lead aircraft estimated that about two minutes after the flight entered clouds, he heard the pilot of N3110Q shout an expletive. That was the last transmission received from the aircraft.
Wreckage and Investigation
An air search located the wreckage alongside the Power River. Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. The stabilator halves and the left wing were found 266 yards west of the main wreckage. No corrosion or fatigue failures were noted in the components.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Dec 1988 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Arvada, WY?
A Piper aircraft (N3110Q) crashed near Arvada, Wyoming after entering clouds during a night formation flight. No mechanical failures were found; the stabilator and left wing separated in flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 1988 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N3110Q, at Arvada, WY.
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