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NTSB Report
October 10, 2020 · Piper PA32R · N3445Q
Kimberling City, MO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Kimberling City, MO
Aircraft
Piper PA32R
Tail Number
N3445Q
Operator
Kenneth Best
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN21LA014
The pilot reported that he moved the airplane out of the hangar using a tow bar and his personal vehicle. The pilot added that he did not remove the tow bar from the airplane. The pilot and passenger then departed on a cross-country flight. Witnesses at the airport notified the pilot by radio that the tow bar was still attached. The plot then entered the traffic pattern to land at the airport. During the approach the tow bar, which was hanging from the airplane’s nose wheel, impacted and got entangled in trees. The airplane then impacted ground objects and terrain. A post-crash fire ensued and destroyed the airplane. The pilot added that he did not know why he got so low on the approach to the airport.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in his inadvertent departure with the tow bar connected to the nose wheel, and the low approach while returning to the airport, which allowed the tow bar to contact trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he moved the airplane out of the hangar using a tow bar and his personal vehicle. The pilot added that he did not remove the tow bar from the airplane. The pilot and passenger then departed on a cross-country flight. Witnesses at the airport notified the pilot by radio that the tow bar was still attached. The plot then entered the traffic pattern to land at the airport. During the approach the tow bar, which was hanging from the airplane’s nose wheel, impacted and got entangled in trees. The airplane then impacted ground objects and terrain. A post-crash fire ensued and destroyed the airplane. The pilot added that he did not know why he got so low on the approach to the airport.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest AirportKimberling Airport (1nm)
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA32R
Tail NumberN3445Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKenneth Best
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 73 · None · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time18:35
Weather SourceWFAC