Mechanical & Engine Failure · NTSB ERA21FA133
PIPER PA32RT — Vinemont, AL
| Date | February 20, 2021 |
| Location | Vinemont, AL |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA32RT |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Approach-VFR pattern downwind Loss of engine power (total) |
| Pilot age | 70 |
| Pilot total time | 1,000 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined
What happened
The purpose of the flight was a pre-sale demonstration of the airplane with the owner/seller in the right seat, and the potential buyer in the left seat. The pilots performed one touch-and-go landing, then the airplane impacted terrain on the downwind leg of the subsequent traffic pattern. The owner told first responders that the airplane had lost engine power. The airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire, which resulted in extensive damage to the airframe and engine. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was in the “off” position. There were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine, and the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.
The owner’s postaccident toxicology was positive for gabapentin, which can cause dizziness; however, he reported no side effects from use of this medication, and it is unlikely that his use of gabapentin contributed to the accident.