History of Flight
On July 2, 2023, about 1510 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, registration N1132Q, operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 non-scheduled passenger flight, sustained substantial damage when it crashed near Old Harbor, Alaska. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured, and two passengers sustained fatal injuries.
The airplane departed from Old Harbor Airport (OLH) about 1504, carrying four passengers, their baggage, and cargo to Kodiak, Alaska. The pilot reported that the airplane maintained a climb rate of 500 ft per minute, with the engine at 2,500 rpm and 25 inches of manifold pressure. While flying up a valley, the pilot determined that the airplane needed an additional 200 ft of altitude to clear a 950-ft mountain pass. Believing the airplane would not climb sufficiently, he planned a 180° turn to gain altitude. He maneuvered to the right side of the valley to make a left turn, but the airplane "stopped climbing" while engine indications remained normal. Before the turn could be completed, the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.
Passengers stated that the pilot maintained full engine power and there was no change in power before impact. A pilot in another similarly loaded airplane, who departed two minutes earlier on the same route, reported no performance issues during climb and pass crossing.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted two mountain spurs before coming to rest on a third spur at an elevation of about 750 ft. During the accident sequence, the right wing, empennage, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The engine separated from the airframe. All major components were located at the accident site. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation.
Weight and Performance
According to the Piper PA-32-300 Flight Manual, the maximum takeoff gross weight is 3,400 pounds. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge estimated the airplane's takeoff gross weight at 3,290 pounds, approximately 110 pounds below the maximum. The estimated weight included: empty weight 1,850 lb, fuel 30 gallons (180 lb), total pilot and passenger weights 970 lb, and total cargo/baggage 290 lb. Cargo items except fish boxes were weighed; fish boxes were assigned an average weight of 48 lb each. Weights for surviving occupants were obtained from individuals; weights for non-surviving passengers were obtained from the medical examiner.