Piper PA-32R-301 N83353

Summary

On 2 July 1997 at about 12:20 local time, a Piper PA-32R-301 registered N83353 was involved in an accident near St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. 5 people were on board and 3 died, one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 July 1997 at 12:20

Classification

Accident

Location

St. Paul, Minnesota, United States

Nearest airport

South St. Paul-Fleming (SGS)

Coordinates

44.9295, -93.0791

Aircraft

Piper PA-32R-301

Registration

N83353

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Fort Dodge

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI97FA200

3 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Related factors were the pilot's diverted attention and gusty wind conditions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff in gusty winds, the forward baggage door opened. The pilot attempted to return to the airport when the airplane impacted trees and descended into the river. The passengers stated the airplane was at a low altitude, the wings were rocking left and right, and a buzzer was sounding just before the accident. One passenger stated to his knowledge the baggage door was latched, but not locked prior to takeoff. Inspection of the baggage door latch after the accident showed it was in the latched position. No failure of the latch was noted which would have resulted in it opening during the flight. The takeoff was performed on runway 16 and the winds were from 210 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.