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 NTSB's update on the Piper Arrow accident near Daytona Beach revealed the left wing separated due to extensive metal fatigue (over 80% of the lower spar cap) in the main spar, originating near an attachment bolt hole.
- Fatigue cracks were also identified in the right wing of the accident aircraft at the same location, without visible signs of corrosion or other prior damage.
- Another Piper PA-28R-201, used for flight training with similar flight hours and cycles, was found to have a crack at the identical left lower outboard forward wing spar attachment bolt hole.
- Investigators are researching a relevant 1987 Piper wing separation and employing new inspection procedures, but have not yet determined the probable cause of the accident.
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