Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
During the initial takeoff climb from runway 17, the airplane veered abruptly to the left and started to sink. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff and the airplane settled back to the ground. As the airplane rolled through the snow, the nosewheel and the left main landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the outboard portion of the left wing was substantially damaged. The reported wind about the time of the accident was from 250 degrees 26 knots gusting up to 37 knots. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA140 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 15, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Angle Fire, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Angel Fire Airport (KAXX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32RT-300
- N-number
- N513CW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.