Parts Of The Starboard Wing Were Found Nearly A Mile From The Main Wreckage

The NTSB has released a preliminary report in a February accident which occurred in Albany, TX, in which two people were fatally injured. During a night flight, the pilot reported problems with his attitude indicator during his night VFR flight, but that may have been the least of his problems. Portions of one of the airplane's wing were found about a mile from the location of the main wreckage.

NTSB Identification: CEN12FA164
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, February 20, 2012 in Albany, TX
Aircraft: PIPER PA-24-250, registration: N7147P
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On February 20, 2012, about 1935 central standard time, a Piper PA-24-250 airplane, N7147P, impacted terrain near Albany, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to Baga Air, Inc., and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), Abilene, Texas, at 1922, and was destined for the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport (OUN), Norman, Oklahoma.

A preliminary review of the air traffic control communications and radar data for the flight revealed the airplane was northeast bound at about 9,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). About 1934 the pilot made a radio call that he had lost his attitude indicator and he was going to have to turn around. Radar data showed the airplane made a turn to the right, climbed, and then descended rapidly. Radar and radio contact was lost about 1935.

The wreckage was found the next morning. Ground and airplane impact signatures were consistent with a nearly vertical nose down collision with terrain. The outboard section of the right wing and the right aileron were found about one mile southeast from the main wreckage.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov