Piper PA-32R Safety Record

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Maintenance personnel’s inadequate maintenance of the magneto, which resulted in a loss of engine ignition, a loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing.

The pilot's failure to maintain course heading and terrain clearance because he was distracted by efforts to engage the autopilot shortly after takeoff on a dark night in mountainous terrain.

The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff when he realized the airplane was not attaining sufficient takeoff and climb performance. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s partial loss of engine power due to an obstruction of the fuel servo air inlet by the intake duct coupling and ingestion of exhaust gases from a preexisting hole in the exhaust pipe. Also contributing to the accident was the improper annual inspection of the airplane by the owner and two mechanics.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain/landing area encountered by the pilot during a forced landing. The low altitude at the time of power loss was a contributing factor.

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a simulated emergency landing, and his delayed remedial action that resulted in a stall, and an uncontrolled collision with trees. A factor was the check pilot's inadaquate supervision of the check ride.

inadequate quality control of the manufacturing processes of the crankshaft gear bolt, resulting in failure of the gear bolt, due to hydrogen embrittlement, a total loss of engine power, and damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing.

fatigue failure of the dual magneto mounting flanges that resulted from undetected contact damage sustained during a previous installation, which resulted in its separation from the engine during take-off.

the improper preflight planning/preparation and the short field take off/procedure not followed by the pilot. Contributing factors were the airplane's forward center of gravity, the variable gusting wind and improper weight and balance calculations by maintenance personnel.

Was the pilot's failure to remove snow from the horizontal stabilator prior to take-off and his improper decision to depart downwind. Factors in the accident were the heavy snow squall and tailwind.

the pilot's improper planning/decision, and his failure to go around, while there was still sufficient runway remaining. The unfavorable wind condition was a related factor.

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in a failure to reach the proper touchdown point for the landing. The fractured nose gear shimmy damper attaching collar and the jammed nose gear were related factors.

fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel. Factors were the below landing minimums weather conditions and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.