The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1114 Eastern time after its autopilot disengaged and it entered a dive during cruise flight at FL220. There were no injuries to the Private pilot or passenger. Subsequently, he stated he heard a “loud whistling noise” and noticed the right-side attitude indicator was “tilted.” He reported leaning over the right front pilot seat while “focusing” and “adjusting” the right side attitude indicator and “soon” noticed the right side heading indicator was turning. He sat up and “discovered” the airplane was in a “dive.” He leveled the wings and pulled out of the “dive” at FL 190.
December 3, 2006, Atlanta, GA. / Piper Pa 46-350P
The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1114 Eastern time after its autopilot disengaged and it entered a dive during cruise flight at FL220. There were no injuries to the Private pilot or passenger.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane sustained substantial damage after its autopilot disengaged during cruise flight at FL220, causing it to enter a dive.
- The pilot initially focused on a "tilted" attitude indicator and "loud whistling noise," realizing the aircraft was in a dive only after noticing the heading indicator turning.
- The pilot successfully recovered the aircraft at FL190, leveling the wings and pulling out of the dive without injuries to himself or the passenger.
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