History of Flight
On October 13, 2018, at approximately 1430 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, registration N180QT, was destroyed when it impacted high-tension powerlines and terrain near Cartersville, Georgia. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The co-owner of the airplane spoke with the pilot before departure from Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), Gainesville, Florida. They discussed the fuel load, which was about 34 gallons, and the planned destination, Tom B. David Airport (CZL) in Calhoun, Georgia. The co-owner believed the pilot intended to add fuel, but the pilot taxied past the fuel facility and departed. The co-owner subsequently texted the pilot, who replied that he would stop in LaGrange if needed.
GPS data showed the airplane departed GNV at 1119 and proceeded toward CZL, flying east of LaGrange-Callaway Airport (LGC) and overhead Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ). Both airports had 100 low-lead aviation fuel available. Over PUJ, the flight track diverted north-northeast toward Cartersville Airport (VPC).
Witness Observations
One witness reported seeing the airplane flying north-northwest when the engine noise suddenly stopped. Approximately seven seconds later, the engine noise resumed, and the airplane appeared to fly normally. The witness noted no loss of altitude or wing level changes during the silent period. Another witness closer to the accident site heard the airplane sounding loud with engine surging overhead. A pilot in the area heard a mayday call from a Cherokee, though the transmission was partially unintelligible.
A powerline impact was recorded at 14:29:30 by Georgia Power.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane struck the outboard bundle of high-tension wires and tree branches on the north side of an embankment. Initial impact debris included pieces of the propeller spinner and windscreen. The main wreckage came to rest at the bottom of the embankment in a muddy ravine on a magnetic heading of 050° at an elevation of 1,020 feet mean sea level.
Both fuel tanks were intact with caps in place. The left tank contained no fuel; the right tank had a residual amount. Residual fuel was also found in the gascolator bowl and electric fuel pump. Fuel line continuity to the gascolator was confirmed with low-pressure air.
The flap lever was stowed (0° flaps), the magneto switch was on "both", throttle and mixture controls were full forward, primer stowed, electric fuel pump off, and the fuel selector valve was set to the left tank.
Engine examination revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunctions. Compression and suction were present on all four cylinders; borescope inspection showed no anomalies. The propeller remained attached; one blade had chordwise abrasions, the other was bent aft about 10° with chordwise abrasions and twisting. No leading edge damage was observed.
The co-owner reported that he had flown the airplane about two weeks before the accident and it operated without maintenance issues.