While Enroute, The Airplane Operated At Varying Altitudes...

Location: Mertzon, TX Accident Number: WPR24FA040
Date & Time: November 25, 2023, 18:35 Local Registration: N7763W
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-180 Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 25, about 1835 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, N7763W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mertzon, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Titel 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to a family member, the occupants were travelling from Los Cruces International Airport (LRU), Los Cruces, New Mexico, to the Bulverde Airpark (1TT8), Bulverde, Texas. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded the airplane as it departed LRU at 1100 central standard time. While enroute, the airplane operated at varying altitudes, from about 3,400 ft mean sea level (msl) to about 9500 ft msl, and about 85 miles per hour (MPH) to about 170 MPH. The airplane initially passed the Ft. Stockton-Pecos County Airport (FST), Fort Stockton, Texas, but then turned 180° and returned to FST. After a 34-minute stop the airplane departed FST generally to the east. ADS-B captured the airplane maneuvering southeast of Reagan County Airport (E41), Big Lake, Texas, before it turned northwest and arrived at E41 at 1539. At 1820, ADS-B data recorded the airplane airborne again, travelling northeast. The last ADS-B data point recorded the airplane about 12 nautical miles northwest of Mertzon, Texas, at 3,400 ft and 148 MPH.

According to the Irion County Sheriff, his office was contacted around 1836, by a 911 emergency services operator, who had received an Apple Crash alert. A search was initiated, and the wreckage was located the following morning.

The airplane came to rest inverted, on a heading of about 300° magnetic. An area of flattened trees and vegetation was observed extending back from the airplane 200 ft on a bearing of 029° to the first point of probable impact (FPPI), a gouge in a Juniper tree about 4 ft above ground level (agl). Numerous components of the airplane were found strewn along the ground scar.

An on-scene examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov