What happened
On May 12, 2008, a Piper PA-32-260, registration N64FP, crashed into mountainous terrain near Cruso, North Carolina. The flight departed from Rutherford County Airport-Marchman Field (FQD) at approximately 0500 EDT, destined for North Little Rock Municipal Airport (ORK) in Arkansas. The flight was being conducted as a personal trip under Part 91 regulations, and no flight plan had been filed.
Radar data from the FAA showed that at 0522, the aircraft crossed over Asheville Regional Airport at 9,200 feet. Over the following minutes, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated, descending to 8,300 feet before entering a descending right turn. The aircraft continued to descend through 7,100 feet and 6,100 feet, eventually tracking southwest at 6,300 feet before a final descent to 5,800 feet. The wreckage was discovered on the southern face of Cold Mountain at an elevation of 4,700 feet.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Weather observations indicated winds from 330 degrees at 22 knots, with visibility of 10 miles and broken-to-overcast skies. High wind warnings and an AIRMET for moderate turbulence had been issued for the area the previous night.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was located in heavily wooded terrain on a 70-degree slope. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including the separation of the right wing at the root and breaches to the fuel tanks in both wings. The instrument panel was destroyed, and all seven cabin seats were separated from their mounting points.
Mechanical examination of the Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine and the airframe revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction. The fuel selector valve was found operational, and the engine's cylinders showed no signs of internal damage or foreign object debris.
Findings
Analysis of the flight path and weather data indicated that while the first half of the flight occurred under visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft likely entered a layer of broken-overcast clouds and a wave cloud. Strong northwesterly winds were present near the mountain ridges, which likely created moderate to severe turbulence and strong downdrafts. The pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, flew into these conditions without a recorded preflight weather briefing.