Accident Overview
On December 12, 2014, about 1730 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-301T single-engine airplane, registered as N3127R, was substantially damaged after it struck an obstruction and terrain during an approach to Downtown Airport (3DW) in Springfield, Missouri. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, while two other passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Integrity Home Care, Inc. and registered to PPG Properties, LLC, both based in Springfield.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Lee's Summit Municipal Airport (LXT) in Lee's Summit, Missouri, about 1620, with a destination of Downtown Airport. The airplane had descended on an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). After reaching visual meteorological conditions, the pilot canceled the instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and advised that he was proceeding directly to 3DW. While northeast bound at an altitude of 1,645 feet, the airplane struck the top of a 367-foot-tall cellular tower, approximately two miles southwest of 3DW. Following a complete loss of engine power, the airplane descended and impacted trees and terrain in a congested residential area, coming to rest upright. Several witnesses observed or heard the accident and immediately called emergency services.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the 17-foot-tall lightning rod atop the tower revealed impact damage consistent with marks on the airplane and propeller. The separated tips of all three propeller blades and a separated portion of the left flap were found near the tower base. Parts of the lightning rod and its mast were wedged in the top of the tower structure. Police officers reported that the white strobe light on the tower was still operating after the accident. Examination of the wreckage showed missing propeller tips and impact damage on the left wing that breached the fuel tank and penetrated from the leading edge to the spar. A significant fuel spill occurred, but there was no post-impact fire. No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Weather Conditions
At 1652, the automated weather observing system at SGF, about 5 miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind from 180° at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast clouds at 1,800 feet, temperature 11°C, dew point 7°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.26 inches of mercury. Sunset occurred at 1656, and civil twilight ended at 1725, indicating nighttime conditions at the time of the accident.
Airport Information
Downtown Airport is a non-towered airport with a field elevation of 1,375 feet above mean sea level. It has a single runway, 11/28, which is 4,037 feet long and 50 feet wide. The traffic pattern altitude for 3DW was not published. According to FAA guidance, the recommended traffic pattern altitude for non-towered airports is 1,000 feet above ground level.