At about 1410 eastern time, a Piper PA-32R-301T suffered an in-flight breakup and crashed near Yeehaw Junction. The airplane was in cruise flight from Lantana to Orlando at 7,000 feet on an IFR flight plan when he requested a descent to 5,000 feet. The request was approved, but the airplane climbed to 7,500 feet. The pilot radioed he had suffered a loss of gyros and the aircraft then disappeared from radar. Calculations based on radar data showed descent rates exceeded 8,000 feet per minute. Level 4 and 5 thunderstorms were present in the area at the time.
September 24, Yeehaw Junction, Fla. / Piper Saratoga
At about 1410 eastern time, a Piper PA-32R-301T suffered an in-flight breakup and crashed near Yeehaw Junction. The airplane was in cruise flight from Lantana to Orlando at 7,000 feet on an IFR flight plan when he requested a descent to 5,000 feet. The request was approved, but the airplane climbed to 7,500 feet. The pilot radioed he had suffered a loss of gyros and the aircraft then disappeared from radar. Calculations based on radar data showed descent rates exceeded 8,000 feet per minute. Level 4 and 5 thunderstorms were present in the area at the time....
Key Takeaways:
- A Piper PA-32R-301T suffered an in-flight breakup and crashed near Yeehaw Junction during cruise flight.
- The pilot reported a loss of gyros after an uncommanded climb to 7,500 feet, followed by radar showing descent rates exceeding 8,000 feet per minute.
- Level 4 and 5 thunderstorms were present in the area at the time of the incident.
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