As the investigation into last month’s wing separation on a Piper Arrow near Daytona Beach continues, the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday issued an update that points to a number of wing fractures. The PA28R-201 was owned and operated by Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University as a Part 91 instructional aircraft at the time of the accident.
NTSB Uncovers Clues Related to Piper In-Flight Breakup
Key Takeaways:
- The fatal Piper Arrow wing separation near Daytona Beach was caused by extensive metal fatigue (over 80%) in the left wing's main spar, originating at a specific attachment bolt hole, with similar cracks found in the right wing.
- A subsequent inspection of another Piper PA-28R-201 with similar flight hours and training use also revealed a fatigue crack at the same bolt hole location.
- The NTSB is continuing its investigation, including researching a 1987 wing separation and utilizing new inspection procedures, though nine other inspected PA-28R-201s showed no cracks.
- A probable cause for the accident has not yet been determined as the investigation is ongoing.
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