# NTSB Accident CEN16FA261
> **PIPER PA 32R-300** · 2016-07-08 · Houston, TX, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CEN16FA261
- **Event ID:** 20160708X85810
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2016-07-08
- **Location:** Houston, TX, USA
- **Coordinates:** 29.817222, -95.665832
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 4
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 4
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA 32R-300
- **Registration:** N32KK
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the open baggage door while operating in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure that the forward baggage compartment door was closed, latched, and properly secured during his preflight inspection.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CEN16FA261) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*