What happened
On November 17, 2008, a Piper PA-38-112 was conducting a practice global positioning system (GPS) approach at North Central State Airport (SFZ) in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed from Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD) at 16:54. The pilot had previously requested an instrument flight rules (IFR) weather briefing to practice instrument approaches within 15 nautical miles of PVD.
At approximately 16:57, the pilot received a VFR approach clearance. After being instructed that radar service was terminated, the pilot's last communication with air traffic control occurred at 16:59. Radar data showed the aircraft, registration N2316P, in a steady descent. At 17:02, radar tracked the aircraft at 500 feet mean sea level (msl), which was approximately 80 feet above ground level (agl).
Shortly after 17:03, the aircraft struck trees in a residential wooded area approximately 3,431 feet from the runway 33 threshold. The impact resulted in a 250-foot debris path and a fire that consumed the cockpit area. The 2 fatal injuries were caused by blunt impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the main components of the aircraft accounted for. The aircraft was resting inverted and nose down. The investigation of the engine revealed that the throttle butterfly valve was partially open in an almost idle position, and the No. 2 cylinder exhaust rocker arm had a crack consistent with impact damage. The propeller assembly had separated from the engine, with one blade showing spanwise and chordwise bending.
No evidence of pre-impact mechanical discrepancies was found in the airframe or engine that would have prevented the completion of the approach. The aircraft was not equipped with a radar altimeter, ground proximity warning system, or terrain awareness and warning system. The weather at the time of the accident was night visual meteorological conditions with 10 miles of visibility and an overcast layer at 8,000 feet.