History of Flight
On October 31, 2019, at 1926 central daylight time, a Piper PA32R-301T, N181AG, was destroyed when it struck trees and terrain near Paducah, Kentucky. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
According to statements from a fixed base operator representative, the accident airplane arrived at the departure airport on October 27, 2019, and received 31 gallons of fuel, which filled the tanks. The representative noted the engine ran smoothly as the airplane approached the fuel pumps.
A local air traffic controller, interviewed at the accident site, reported familiarity with the pilot and the airplane. The pilot established contact on the tower frequency, and the controller provided the current altimeter, wind, and active runway information. The pilot stated he was lined up for a straight-in landing to runway 14 and requested that runway, which was approved. Radar data showed the airplane in a steady descent aligned with the runway. The controller cleared the airplane to land, and the pilot acknowledged. Approximately 1.5 minutes later, the pilot reported a loss of power. When asked if he could reach the runway, the pilot replied affirmatively. At that time, the airplane was about 1,000 ft above ground level and 4 miles from the landing threshold. Shortly after, the pilot stated he would not make it and was in the trees. No further communications were received.
The airplane collided with trees and terrain about 1.5 miles from the runway 14 threshold.
Aircraft Information
The first step of the Approach and Landing Checklist in the airplane’s operating handbook specified: "Fuel Selector — Proper Tank."
Wreckage and Impact Information
Examination at the accident site revealed all major components were accounted for. The wreckage path was oriented on an approximate 140° magnetic heading and measured about 100 ft in length. Initial tree strike was about 60 ft above ground, where the outboard 8 ft of the left wing remained suspended.
The main wreckage came to rest adjacent to a railbed on an approximate 090° heading. Post-crash fire consumed the baggage compartment, cockpit, cabin area, inboard wing sections, and empennage. Flight control continuity was verified to all surfaces except where damaged by impact and fire.
The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller; continuity was confirmed from the powertrain through the valvetrain to the accessory section. Compression was confirmed on all cylinders using the thumb method. Borescope examination showed normal wear and lubrication. Magnetos sustained thermal damage and, when rotated by hand, did not produce spark. The fuel pump was actuated with a drill and drew and expelled air. The fuel inlet screen and fuel injector nozzles were clear and free of debris.
The turbocharger rotated freely with no visible damage.
Fuel lines were consumed by fire; the fuel selector valve exhibited thermal damage. The fuel selector control lever was observed near the right fuel tank position. However, the fuel selector valve's selector plate was out of the detent and not fully seated in the right fuel tank position. The valve bowl was thermally damaged, and its filters were consumed by fire.
Further examination revealed the selector lever was seized. After disassembly, the selector plate indicated an intermediate position. When the selector valve was rotated and placed in the left or right fuel tank position detent, the associated ports were unobstructed.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Western Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on the pilot and determined the cause of death as blunt force trauma. Toxicological testing by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for drugs and alcohol.