Airplane Was Located About 550 Ft. South Of The Approach End Of Runway

Location: Madisonville, TX Accident Number: CEN21FA263
Date & Time: June 13, 2021, 23:55 Local Registration: N3258W
Aircraft: Piper PA-32-260 Injuries: 1 Fatal, 5 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 13, 2021, at 2355 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N3258W, was involved in an accident near Madisonville, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot was fatally injured, and five passengers received serious injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

The airplane impacted trees that were about 50 ft. in height and about 680 ft. south of the approach end of runway 36 at Madisonville Municipal Airport (51R), Madisonville, Texas. The airplane was located about 550 ft. south of the approach end of runway.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the propeller displayed S-shaped bending consistent with engine power. The trees along the wreckage path exhibited slash marks consistent with propeller strikes. The wing flaps were fully extended. Flight control continuity was confirmed. There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov