History of Flight
On December 17, 2021, at 2008 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32R-300 airplane, registration N5677V, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Monroe County Airport (BMG) in Bloomington, Indiana. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to ADS-B and FAA air traffic data, the pilot departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) at 1618 central standard time en route to Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (UMP), arriving at 1844 eastern standard time. He subsequently departed UMP at 1925 eastern standard time with an intended destination of BMG. After departure, the airplane proceeded southwest then south, climbing to about 4,000 ft msl. The pilot contacted BMG approach control and was instructed to descend to 3,000 ft msl and received radar vectors for the instrument landing system approach to runway 35.
At about 2003, the controller issued an intercept heading and cleared the pilot for the approach. Around 2005, the pilot reported being established on the approach, and the controller instructed him to contact the tower. The tower controller cleared the pilot to land, but the pilot did not respond. The airplane tracked inbound along the ILS localizer. At 2006:58, it passed the final approach fix (NITTE) at an altitude of about 2,258 ft msl. Thereafter, the flight path became erratic. At 2008:15, the airplane entered a right turn approximately 2.25 miles from the runway. The final ADS-B data point at 2008:29 showed an altitude of about 1,045 ft msl.
Derived airspeed and descent rates indicated the airplane was stabilized at 3,000 ft msl and 120 knots until about 1959. Airspeed then decreased and stabilized near 110 knots. At 2002:20, a momentary altitude deviation of 200 ft loss followed by 300 ft gain occurred, with airspeed initially increasing then dropping to 90 knots before recovering. From 2003:00 to 2006:40, the airplane descended with intermittent level-offs, and airspeed increased to 150 knots before decreasing. Beginning at 2006:40, it entered a continuous descent until the final data point, with average descent rates between 400 and 1,200 fpm.
A passenger who flew from PWK to UMP reported a smooth flight with routine communications. They encountered rime icing near Lafayette, Indiana, and the pilot descended out of the icing conditions without incident. The passenger described the pilot as “very conscientious.”
Aircraft Information
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the Piper PA-32R-300 recommended a final approach indicated airspeed of 75 knots.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, an area of clouds and precipitation was present near the accident site. Conditions resulted in low instrument flight rules with ceilings at 400 ft above ground level (agl) and the possibility of light to moderate low-level wind shear below 2,000 ft agl. No icing potential was indicated below 10,000 ft. A wind model showed near-surface wind from 109° at 9 knots, remaining easterly through 2,000 ft. Above 2,000 ft, the wind veered to southwesterly to westerly through 14,000 ft. Wind speeds were between 10 and 20 knots from the surface to about 1,200 ft agl, increasing to 30 knots by 4,000 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane struck a wooded hillside about 2 miles south of the runway on an easterly heading, in an area absent of ground lighting. The initial tree impact was approximately 112 ft from the final ADS-B data point. Multiple tree breaks were observed along the impact path, including one consistent with a propeller blade cut. The fuselage came to rest about 300 ft from the initial tree strike and was partially consumed by a postimpact fire. The propeller hub fractured consistent with overstress, and both blades were liberated. The engine was partially separated and located forward of the firewall. The wings and empennage were fragmented, and all airframe structure, including flight controls, were within the debris field.
Postaccident airframe and engine examinations revealed no anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure. The examination was hindered by the extent of the postimpact fire.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed at Terre Haute Regional Hospital listed the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Toxicology testing at the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory found no evidence of carboxyhemoglobin, ethanol, or tested-for drugs and medications.