On August 1, 1991, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3722W) operated by Paul A. Love was involved in an aviation accident near Monongahela, PA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACHIEVE A PROPER TOUCHDOWN ON THE RUNWAY DUE TO DIVERTED ATTENTION, PRESSURE, AND OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was fatally injured when their airplane landed 160 feet short of the runway at night, resulting in a post-crash fire. Investigation revealed the pilot was heavily in debt and had embezzled client funds.
Accident Details
A pilot attempted a night landing at an airport equipped with runway lights and a visual approach slope indicator (VASI). The airplane touched down 160 feet short of the runway threshold and 20 feet below the runway edge. Upon impact, the fuel tanks ruptured, and the airplane continued forward before coming to rest on the runway surface. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent post-crash fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical problems with the engine or airframe. There was no evidence that the pilot attempted an emergency landing. The investigation disclosed that the pilot was heavily in debt and had embezzled client funds. The financial situation had reached a point where it would have become public within a few weeks. The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Aug 1991 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Monongahela, PA?
A pilot was fatally injured when their airplane landed 160 feet short of the runway at night, resulting in a post-crash fire. Investigation revealed the pilot was heavily in debt and had embezzled client funds.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Aug 1991 Piper PA-32-260 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Aug 1991 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3722W, operated by Paul A. Love, at Monongahela, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ACHIEVE A PROPER TOUCHDOWN ON THE RUNWAY DUE TO DIVERTED ATTENTION, PRESSURE, AND OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION.
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