3 fatal · PIPER PA 28R-201T · 2016-09-12 · Reno, NV, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR16FA178
Event ID
20160911X20520
Type
Accident
Date
2016-09-12
Location
Reno, NV, USA
Coordinates
39.503887, -119.776664
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
3
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
PIPER
Model
PA 28R-201T
Registration
N821ET
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to depart with the airplane loaded above its maximum gross weight and at or just beyond its aft center of gravity limitations, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pressure to complete the flight as planned, and the pilot's use of multiple impairing drugs, which degraded his decision-making.