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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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June 26, 1995 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3431W

Brooksville, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
Brooksville, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3431W
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA95LA158

WITNESSES STATED THEY OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE ON THE TAKEOFF ROLL LIFT OFF AT LEAST THREE TIMES. THE AIRPLANE THEN LIFTED OFF, AND ANOTHER PILOT-RATED WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE IN AN EXTREMELY NOSE-HIGH ATTITUDE WITH THE ENGINE SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS AT A HIGH POWER SETTING. THE AIRPLANE THEN CRASHED INTO TREES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE ENGINE AND FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE EXAMINED AND NO PREACCIDENT MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND. THE CARGO COULD NOT BE WEIGHED DUE TO POSTCRASH CONSUMPTION. THE SURVIVING PILOT-RATED PASSENGER STATED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER AFTER LIFTOFF.

NTSB Probable Cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AFTER TAKEOFF FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On June 26, 1995 about 0925 eastern daylight time, N3431W, operated by the pilot, and registered to SPSN Corporation, crashed on takeoff attempt in Brooksville, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot received fatal injuries. One passenger received serious injuries and three received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time. Witnesses stated they observed the airplane on takeoff roll, lift off at least three times. The airplane then lifted off and another pilot-rated witness observed the airplane in an extremely nose-high attitude with the engine sounding like it was at a high power setting.The airplane then struck trees and crashed. There was a postcrash fire. Examination of the wreckage and engine by FAA inspectors revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions in the engine, airplane, or flight controls. The FAA inspectors were not able to weigh the cargo due to postcrash fire consumption.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:55 EDT
Nearest AirportPilot Country (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3431W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data