Aircraft descent into trees near runway 31

Casualties unknown • Mineral Wells, TX, US

An unidentified aircraft was observed performing a steep right bank before descending below the tree line, resulting in wreckage located near power lines.

What happened

According to multiple witnesses, an aircraft was flying from south to north over runway 31. One witness reported that the aircraft was traveling at a relatively slow speed at approximately 150 feet above ground level. During the flight, the aircraft performed a hard pull-up and entered a right bank. Other observers noted that the aircraft reached an 80 to 90 degree bank angle to the right before descending below the tree line.

The main wreckage was discovered directly beneath power lines. The impact or subsequent movement caused a power pole, situated 430 feet west of the aircraft, to break, and the northern power line was left resting on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-08-04 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Mineral Wells, TX?

An unidentified aircraft was observed performing a steep right bank before descending below the tree line, resulting in wreckage located near power lines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-04 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.

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.

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