Piper PA-32-300 N1403X accident near Mount Pleasant, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath while on final approach in night visual conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was established on final approach for landing in night visual conditions. The airplane tracked inbound along the approach course until, about 0.40 mile from the runway, it impacted trees and terrain. A witness reported that the airplane seemed to be right overhead when he first heard it, and about one second later he heard it impact trees. He noted that the engine sounded like it was at maximum power.

The outboard portion of the right wing was located at the initial tree strike, and the inboard portion of the right wing was located within the debris path. A ground impact path began about 160 ft from the tree strike, and the main wreckage, which consisted of the fuselage, left wing, empennage, and engine, came to rest about 320 ft from the initial tree strike. An examination of the airframe and engine identified no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

The runway was equipped with precision approach path indicators (PAPI). During the onsite investigation the day after the accident, the PAPI lights were illuminated.

A review of airplane position data revealed that the airspeed was about 78 knots while on final approach. The aerodynamic stall speed was 62 knots with the wing flaps retracted and 55 knots with them extended. The descent rate during that period was within the capabilities of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22FA299 for the full record.