Non-Certificated Pilot Attempting To Use A Private Airstrip at 0200

Location: Zavalla, TX Accident Number: CEN20LA248
Date & Time: 06/27/2020, 0153 CDT Registration: N315AM
Aircraft: Piper PA32R Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On June 27, 2020, about 0153 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R airplane, N315AM, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at a private airstrip near Zavalla, Texas. The non-certificated pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to air traffic control information, the airplane departed David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH), Spring Texas, at 0023 and arrived overhead the airstrip at 0059. During the next 54 minutes, the airplane maneuvered near the airstrip between 350 and 1,300 ft above ground level (agl), with a groundspeed ranging from 65 to 143 knots. The airplane was last recorded at 350 ft agl and 94 knots ground speed.

The airplane impacted trees 670 ft north of the southwest oriented runway threshold and came to rest 375 ft southeast of the initial impact. A post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov