Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN10FA124

PIPER PA-28-236 — Austin, TX

1 fatal
DateFebruary 18, 2010
LocationAustin, TX
AircraftPIPER PA-28-236
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsUnknown
Phase / occurrenceOther Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot ageUnknown
Pilot total timeUnknown
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities1

Probable cause

The pilot’s intentional flight into a building.

NTSB findings

  • Personnel issues-Miscellaneous-Intentional act-Suicide-Pilot - C
  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Other authority investigated - C

What happened

The airplane was destroyed after the pilot intentionally flew it into the side of an office building in Austin, Texas. The private pilot and an employee who worked in the building were killed. As this event was an intentional act, the Federal Bureau of Investigation assumed jurisdiction and control of the investigation.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →