Accident Overview
On September 8, 2024, at approximately 1225 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28R-180, registration N3757T, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Vergennes, Vermont. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The student pilot, flight instructor, and two passengers on board were fatally injured.
Flight Information
The airplane had departed Windham Airport (IJD) in Willimantic, Connecticut, earlier that morning with an intended destination of Basin Harbor Airport (B06) in Vergennes, Vermont. Preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated that after departing IJD, the aircraft proceeded toward B06. The last recorded ADS-B position before landing was at 1016, with the airplane about 1,000 feet north of the approach end of runway 20 at B06, at a reported altitude of 250 feet mean sea level. No ADS-B data were available for the subsequent departure from B06, which was the accident flight.
Witness and Video
A witness recorded a video of the airplane as it began its takeoff roll on the accident flight. The takeoff roll commenced around 1224. The video captured the airplane rolling down the runway until it exited the camera frame, after which the video ended. The recording did not capture the actual takeoff, initial climb, or the accident sequence.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted terrain in a wooded area approximately 375 feet east of the departure end of runway 20 at B06. The first identified impact point was a ground scar containing a portion of the left wingtip. The main wreckage came to rest about 30 feet from that initial impact point. All major components were accounted for within the wreckage area, and no evidence of fire was observed. The left wing had separated from the fuselage and was found inverted adjacent to the fuselage, having sustained impact damage. The right wing remained attached and exhibited leading-edge impact damage. The fuselage sustained impact damage concentrated in the forward cabin area, instrument panel, and engine compartment. The empennage remained attached and was relatively intact.
Aircraft Systems Examination
Flight control cable continuity was established for all flight controls; the only breaks were in the left aileron direct cable and the aileron balance cable, both exhibiting tensile overload signatures. The flaps were found in the retracted position. The main landing gear and the landing gear control switch were in the extended position. The nose landing gear, which had sustained impact damage, was observed in the retracted position.
Fuel System Examination
The fuel selector valve was found in the "LEFT" position and was in its detent. Low-pressure air blown through the valve confirmed it was unobstructed in both the "LEFT" and "RIGHT" positions. The left main fuel tank was empty; however, blue staining was noted around the fuel filler cap and the rivet line surrounding the tank. The left fuel system had a breach in the line from the tank to the selector valve, consistent with impact damage. The right fuel tank contained approximately 1.5 gallons of fluid resembling 100LL aviation fuel in color and odor. A sample tested negative for contaminants and water. The right fuel line to the selector valve was also breached, with signatures consistent with impact damage. The wreckage was retained for further examination.