Undetermined · NTSB CEN12FA072
PIPER PA-28-180 — Perryville, AR
| Date | November 17, 2011 |
| Location | Perryville, AR |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-28-180 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Enroute-cruise Unknown or undetermined |
| Pilot age | 82 |
| Pilot total time | 2,200 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | 350 hrs |
| Fatalities | 4 |
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control in flight.
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
What happened
About 2 hours after departure, radar data tracked the airplane at 7,000 feet before the airplane then initiated a right, descending turn before disappearing from radar. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying low, descending, making several turns, before impacting terrain. Impact signatures were consistent with a steep, nose-low attitude. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The reason for the pilot's loss of control could not be determined.