PIPER PA-32-300 — Marion, OH

What happened

Performance analysis of ADS-B data from the accident flight showed that about 20 minutes after departing, and while flying at an altitude of about 6,000 ft msl, the airplane’s speed began increasing, reaching a maximum of about 125 kts. After some subsequent variation between a low of 101 kts and a high of 120 kts, the airplane descended at a rate of 1,000 ft/min and an airspeed near 100 kts before the data ended. While the airplane’s descent and deceleration indicated a reduction in total energy consistent with a loss of thrust, it’s performance and speed were not consistent with a total loss of engine power, based on the airplane’s stated glide performance.

Shortly before the airplane impacted terrain, a witness described that he heard the airplane flying in the distance and that the engine sounded like it was oscillating. He looked up and saw the airplane, before it began a left circling turn, with a “white mist” trailing it. He further stated that the engine “cut out” and the airplane went “nose down” and impacted the ground. Additionally, a residential video doorbell recorded the sound of the airplane before impact, and a sound spectrum analysis of the engine/propeller sound revealed that the engine rpm likely exceeded the rated speed of 2,700 rpm during the descent.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that a post-impact fire destroyed most of the airframe. The wreckage displayed damage consistent with the airplane having impacted the ground at the conclusion of a near vertical descent. Flight control continuity was established to all primary flight controls through frayed cables and fractured bell cranks, and no evidence was found to suggest that there was a mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane’s flight controls. Examination of the engine, which was limited by the extent of the thermal and impact-related damage, showed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Based on the available information, the reason for the airplane’s descent and impact with terrain could not be determined.

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