On February 20, 2021, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N10KV, was involved in an accident near Vinemont, Alabama. The flight was being conducted under Part 91 regulations as a pre-sale demonstration of the aircraft for a potential buyer.
What happened
At approximately 17:40 CST, the aircraft departed from runway 02. Airport surveillance video shows the aircraft completed one touch-and-go landing at 17:46. At 17:48, the airplane impacted terrain while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The impact occurred in a wooded area on a residential property at an elevation of 930 feet MSL. The wreckage debris path was approximately 350 feet long, and the aircraft came to rest inverted. A post-impact fire consumed much of the wreckage.
The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries. The pilot in the left seat died at the scene, and the owner, who was in the right seat, died two days after the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the fuel selector valve was in the "OFF" position. While the engine was partially separated from the airframe and sustained fire damage, manual rotation of the engine was initially obstructed by a broken crankshaft gear tooth lodged in the accessory gearbox. Upon removal of the tooth, the engine rotated freely, and cylinder compression was established. Examination of the fractured tooth indicated the break was consistent with overstress during the impact sequence.
Maintenance records showed the aircraft had been deemed unairworthy in January 2019, with a nine-page discrepancy list provided. The first annual inspection since 2016 was completed in January 2021. Additionally, investigators found work orders for a propeller overhaul following a ground strike, but there was no logbook entry for compliance with Airworthiness Directive 2004-10-14, which requires specific inspections of the crankshaft gear and replacement of the gear retaining bolt and lockplate following such a strike.
Post-accident toxicology for the owner revealed the presence of gabapentin, an antiseizure and nerve pain medication, in his blood.
Findings
- The fuel selector valve was found in the "OFF" position.
- There were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies identified that would have prevented the normal operation of the engine or aircraft.
- The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.