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Witnesses Observe Low-Altitude Maneuver Before Crash Near Runway 31 (N3352W)

Mineral Wells, TX, US

On August 4, 2004, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3352W) operated by Century Flight Systems, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mineral Wells, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the low altitude. 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

Witnesses reported an airplane flying slowly at 150 feet AGL over runway 31, then executing a hard pull-up and right bank before descending below the tree line. The wreckage was found under power lines, with a broken power pole. No anomalies were found in the airplane.

Overview

According to multiple witnesses, the accident airplane was observed flying from south to north over runway 31. One witness reported that the airplane was approximately 150 feet above ground level (AGL) and flying at a slow speed. The airplane then performed a hard pull-up and banked to the right. Another witness described the airplane in an 80 to 90 degree bank turn to the right. After the turn, the airplane descended below the tree line and was lost from view.

Wreckage Examination

The main wreckage was located directly beneath power lines. A power pole situated 430 feet west of the airplane was broken, and the northern power line was resting on the ground. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2004 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Mineral Wells, TX?

Witnesses reported an airplane flying slowly at 150 feet AGL over runway 31, then executing a hard pull-up and right bank before descending below the tree line. The wreckage was found under power lines, with a broken power pole. No anomalies were found in the airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2004 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3352W, operated by Century Flight Systems, Inc., at Mineral Wells, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the low altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040806X01155. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.