# NTSB Accident CHI01FA312
> **Piper PA-32R-301T** · 2001-09-07 · Downers Grove, IL, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CHI01FA312
- **Event ID:** 20010912X01925
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2001-09-07
- **Location:** Downers Grove, IL, USA
- **Coordinates:** 41.759895, -88.010673
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 3
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 1
- **Total aboard:** 4
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32R-301T
- **Registration:** N81557
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the improper preflight planning/preparation and the short field take off/procedure not followed by the pilot.  Contributing factors were the airplane's forward center of gravity, the variable gusting wind and improper weight and balance calculations by maintenance personnel.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CHI01FA312) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*