Probable cause
The pilot's maneuver, which exceeded the airplane's structural limit and resulted in an in-flight breakup.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was en route to its destination when it was observed to make several turns before it pitched nose up, climbed, rolled to the right, and then headed toward the ground nose first. Several witnesses observed airplane components floating down after the airplane. All witnesses reported hearing loud engine noises throughout the event. Impact signatures were consistent with a nose down attitude with a near vertical descent angle. Distribution of the airplane wreckage supported the observation by eyewitnesses of an inflight breakup. An examination found that both wings failed in overload with positive wing loading. In addition, there was no evidence of flight control over travel or flutter. It could not be determined whether the pilot intended to perform the abnormal maneuver or if it was the result of a physiological issue.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FA628 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 12, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bullard, Texas
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-23-250
- N-number
- N4842P
- 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.