1 fatality

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around, Aircraft Strikes Building (N3DM)

Westfield-Barnes, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 28, 2001, a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (registration N3DM) operated by Munir H. Abbasy was involved in an aviation accident near Westfield-Barnes, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a go-around. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around after a normal approach, the pilot entered a steep left bank and the aircraft impacted a commercial building roof, coming to rest in a parking lot. No pre-impact malfunctions were found.

Accident Overview

A single-engine airplane, on final approach to runway 20 at an airport (BAF), was instructed by the air traffic controller to execute a go-around because a preceding aircraft had not yet cleared the runway. The airplane pitched up and entered a steep, nearly 90-degree left bank. The rear-seat passenger, who described the flights to and from BAF as "smooth," stated that she initially thought the airplane would land but then realized it was turning left.

Impact and Post-Crash Examination

The airplane struck the roof of a commercial building and came to rest upright on a heading of 020 degrees in a parking lot, approximately one-quarter mile east of the approach end of the runway. A thorough examination of the airframe and engine tear-down revealed no evidence of any pre-impact malfunctions.

Weather Conditions

Weather reported at the airport around the time of the accident included winds from 240 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and few clouds at 6,500 feet.

Pilot Information

The pilot, who owned the airplane, had accumulated approximately 1,660 hours of total flight experience.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2001 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Westfield-Barnes, United States of America?

During a go-around after a normal approach, the pilot entered a steep left bank and the aircraft impacted a commercial building roof, coming to rest in a parking lot. No pre-impact malfunctions were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 2001 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration N3DM, operated by Munir H. Abbasy, at Westfield-Barnes, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a go-around.