3 fatal · Piper PA-32R-301 · 2000-09-03 · SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI, USA
Event
NTSB number
NYC00FA248
Event ID
20001212X22048
Type
Accident
Date
2000-09-03
Location
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI, USA
Coordinates
41.681816, -71.510787
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
3
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-32R-301
Registration
N8230G
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control, and his subsequent overstress of the airplane after a vacuum system failure during flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors included the instrument meteorological conditions, a sheared coupling on the vacuum pump, the pilot/owner's failure to ensure the coupling was changed per the manufacturer's recommendations, a lack of regulatory requirement to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and a lack of regulatory requirement to ensure installation of a suitable backup system.