At 1134 Central time, the airplane was destroyed after impacting terrain following a sudden loss of altitude during vectors for an instrument approach. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. At 1132:40 the pilot was told to descend to 3100 feet msl. At 1133:04, at an altitude of 3800 feet msl, a heading of 286 degrees and a groundspeed (GS) of 175 knots, the pilot was told to turn right to 080 degrees. The pilot acknowledged the assigned heading (flights last radio transmission) and the airplane continued a left turn to a heading of 272 degrees until 1133:13, when radar indicated the airplane began a right turn at 172 knots GS. At 1133:40, the airplane was at 1200 msl, on a 046-degree heading and at 254 knots GS. Witnesses indicate the airplane exited low clouds in a steeply banked turn with its engine running.
December 7, 2009, Mendoza, Texas, New Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-46-500TP
At 1134 Central time, the airplane was destroyed after impacting terrain following a sudden loss of altitude during vectors for an instrument approach. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Key Takeaways:
- A private pilot and passenger were fatally injured when their airplane was destroyed after a sudden loss of altitude and impact with terrain.
- The accident occurred during vectors for an instrument approach in instrument conditions.
- Radar data indicated the pilot initially continued a left turn despite being instructed to turn right, followed by a rapid, uncontrolled descent with increasing groundspeed.
- Witnesses observed the airplane exit low clouds in a steeply banked turn with its engine running before impact.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
