Piper PA32 accident near Roanoke, Texas, September 8, 2018
On September 8, 2018 at about 2:03 am local time, a 1975 Piper PA32, registered N33354, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Roanoke, Texas (Aero Valley Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured and 3 people had minor injuries; 2 others were unhurt. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 8, 2018 · about 2:03 am local time
- Place
- Roanoke, Texas · Aero Valley Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured and 3 people had minor injuries; 2 others were unhurt.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA32 300, built 1975 · all PA32s on the register
- Registration
- N33354 · no longer on the register · serial 32-7540095
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The commercial pilot and five passengers departed on a personal night cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the engine start and run-up were uneventful. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He conducted a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. An engine examination revealed that the upper right spark plugs were in a worn-out normal condition and the lower spark plugs were in a worn-out severe condition. The lower spark plugs were replaced, and a test engine run was conducted; the engine started and ran without hesitation at various power settings. However, it was noted during the test that the engine would not run on the right magneto. Further examination of the right magneto found a failed magneto coil. Despite the failed coil on the right magneto and the spark plug condition, the engine ran at full power settings. No other anomalies were noted with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. A failed magneto or the noted spark plug conditions would have resulted in a rough-running engine but not a complete loss of engine power as the pilot described. Thus, the reason for the total loss of power could not be determined.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during emergency descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 441 hours in all; 115 in this make and model; 34 in the last 90 days
- Last flight review: August 31, 2018
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 6,985.5 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, March 11, 2018
- Maximum gross weight: 3,400 lb
- Seats: 6
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming IO-540-K-1AS (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 52F Roanoke TX at 2:00 am
- Destination: GPT Glufport MS
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 35, 3,500 ft by 40 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: night
- Wind: from 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 14,000 ft; a few clouds at 6,500 ft
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 73°F (23°C)
- Altimeter: 29.95 inHg
- Observation at 1:53 am from AFW
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
4 documents, released by the NTSB on September 25, 2019. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 9 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Pilot Statement | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 3 | Engine Run Summary | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Jpi Engine Data | data file | Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.