The Airplane Impacted A Wooded Hillside About 2.0 Miles South Of The Runway

Location: Bloomington, IN Accident Number: CEN22FA080
Date & Time: December 17, 2021, 20:08 Local Registration: N5677V
Aircraft: Piper PA-32R-300 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 17, 2021, at 2008 eastern standard time (est), a Piper PA-32R-300 airplane, N5677V, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near the Monroe County Airport (BMG), Bloomington, Indiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot initially departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) at 1618 central standard time en route to Indianapolis Metro Airport (UMP), arriving at 1844 est. He subsequently departed UMP at 1925 est with an intended destination of BMG. After departure from UMP, the airplane proceeded on course to the southwest and then to the south and reached an altitude of 3,900 ft mean sea level (msl). The pilot was provided radar vectors and ultimately cleared for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Runway 35 approach into BMG.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data depicted the airplane tracking inbound along the ILS 35 final approach course. The airplane passed the final approach fix at 2006:58, and averaged a descent rate of about 700 fpm during the initial portion of the final approach segment. About 2008:15, the airplane entered a right turn approximately 2.25 miles from the runway. The final data point was recorded at 2008:30.

The airplane impacted a wooded hillside about 2.0 miles south of the runway on an easterly heading. The initial tree impact was about 112 ft from the final ADS-B data point. Multiple tree breaks were observed along the impact path. One tree strike appeared consistent with a propeller blade cut. The fuselage came to rest about 300 ft from the initial tree strike and was partially consumed by a postimpact fire. The propeller hub was fractured consistent with overstress, and both propeller blades were liberated and located at the accident site. The engine was partially separated and located in position forward of the firewall. The wings and empennage were fragmented. All airframe structure, including the flight controls, were located within the debris field.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov