Overview
On November 19, 2009, at approximately 0430 Central Standard Time, a single-engine Piper PA-28-181, registration N3148Q, sustained substantial damage during an approach to Wood County Airport (JDD) in Mineola/Quitman, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The aircraft was registered and operated by L and P of Winona, Inc., of Winona, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the night cross-country flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
According to the pilot's statement on NTSB Form 6120.1, the flight originated from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Florida, with a planned destination of Addison Airport (ADS) in Dallas, Texas. The pilot intended to make a fuel stop at Carl Folsum Airport (14J) in Elba, Alabama, and anticipated needing an additional fuel stop along the route.
The pilot departed FXE around 1930 on the approximately 441 nautical mile leg to 14J, landing about 2330. A fuel receipt from 14J indicated that the aircraft was fueled with 46.27 gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline. After refueling, the pilot departed 14J around 2350. During the subsequent en route segment, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) for flight following to Mesquite, Texas, approximately 536 nautical miles from 14J. At about 0340, the pilot informed ATC that he was "cutting this a little short" and needed to divert to Mineola-Wisener Airport (3F9).
Accident Sequence
During the descent to 3F9, the pilot reported being unable to activate the pilot-controlled lighting. He then altered his landing site to Wood County Airport (JDD), located about 4 nautical miles north of 3F9. While on final approach to runway 18 at JDD, the pilot stated he was low and collided with trees short of the runway.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who arrived at the scene noted that the aircraft impacted trees before hitting the terrain. The left wing was folded back, with the wing spar broken at the wing root. The fuselage sustained extensive damage. Only a few ounces of fuel were drained from the left and right wing fuel tanks, and the engine gascolator was empty. The inspector estimated the aircraft was loaded with 650 pounds of cargo.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was transported to a secure facility near Lancaster, Texas, for further examination. On December 17, 2009, the NTSB Investigator-in-Charge, along with representatives from the FAA, Piper Aircraft, and Lycoming Engines, conducted an inspection. The PA-28-181 was equipped with two wing fuel tanks holding a total of 50 gallons (48 usable).
Inspection of the two-bladed fixed-pitch propeller revealed one blade bent to the non-cambered side, while the other appeared relatively straight. Neither blade exhibited chordwise scratching or leading edge nicks or gouges. The propeller crankshaft flange was bent, causing the starter ring gear to impact the engine case and starter housing. The ring gear and starter housing lacked rotational scoring, and the alternator belt was in place on its pulleys.
After propeller removal, engine continuity was established to the back of the engine and cylinder valve train. Sparkplugs from each cylinder were removed and exhibited whitish deposits. Thumb compression was conducted on each cylinder, and ignition spark was observed on each cylinder magneto lead.
Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no apparent abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation.
Other Findings
A review of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and the Airport/Facilities Directory for JDD and 3F9 indicated that the rotating beacon and runway lights at 3F9 were out of service, and obstruction lighting on two towers near the airports was also out of service.