Salty Approach Airport
Aircraft Accident/Incident Report

North Captiva Island, Florida 33924
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 17:45 EDT

On July 16, 2014, about 1745 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N297AS, was substantially damaged when it impacted the water near Salty Approach Airport (FL90), Ft. Myers, Florida. The airplane had departed from Page Airport (FMY), Ft. Myers, Florida, about 1735. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight had been filed. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Several eyewitnesses reported that the airplane was attempting to land; however, the airplane was about halfway down the runway when the pilot aborted the landing attempt. During the go-around maneuver the airplane was observed at no more than 10 feet above ground level, the engine was heard operating; however, the airplane "was not climbing." The left wing impacted the water, separated, and subsequently the airplane sank. One of the witnesses reported that this was the pilot's second trip that afternoon to FMY for porcelain tiles. The airplane was found in 8 to 10 feet of water approximately 200 yards west southwest of the extended centerline of the runway designated "W." The airplane was resting on its left side on the sea floor. The left wing had separated during the impact sequence and was originally found about 50 feet away; however, due to the underwater current the following day, the wing was unable to be located. The engine remained attached to the airplane and was co-located with the main wreckage. The airplane came to rest on an approximate 340° magnetic heading. The stabilator was unable to be located utilizing sonar nor visual sighting. Post recovery examination of the wreckage and witness statements indicated that the airplane impacted the water in a left wing low attitude. The landing gear lever located in the cockpit was in the "DOWN" position and the hydraulic ram on the nose landing gear and right main landing gear correlated to a gear down position. The flap jackscrew was measured and correlated to a flaps 40 degree position or the full flaps extended position. The right wing fuel tank contained approximately 15 gallons of blue fluid similar in color and smell as aviation 100LL fuel and was devoid of water. The fuel selector and fuel selector valve, located under the floor of the cockpit, was selected to the right fuel tank. The engine remained attached to the airframe via the mounts, cables, and wires. Engine continuity was confirmed from the propeller hub to the rear magneto pad. Thumb suction and compression was confirmed on all cylinders. The 3-bladed propeller exhibited S-bending and tip curling on all blades. Continuity was confirmed from the rudder pedals to the rudder assembly. Right aileron cable continuity was confirmed from the control yoke to the cable cut made during recovery at the right wing root and from the right wing root to the aileron. Left aileron cable continuity was confirmed from the control yoke to the left wing root, at which point the direct cable and balance cable both exhibited tensile overload. Cable continuity was confirmed from the control yoke to the stabilator attach point; however, the stabilator trim drum was not present. The four passenger seats had been previously removed and two wood pallet structures were present on the floor of the cargo area. Porcelain tiles, of various sizes, were present. Following recovery of the airplane, the tiles were removed from the airplane and weighed a total of 666 pounds.

Not Yet Reported