Crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage in Bakersfield: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 6, 1990 at 1548 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
James W. Hager
Registration:
N8888M
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Porterville – Redlands
MSN:
46-22091
YOM:
1989
Location:
Bakersfield
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
8155
Captain / Total hours on type:
51.00
Aircraft flight hours:
62
Circumstances:
Before takeoff, pilot was advised of IFR conditions along 1st part of route, with flight predictions for occasional moderate turbulences below 15,000 feet and mixed icing from freezing level (6,000 feet) to 18,000 feet. He filed IFR flight plan with cruise altitude of 11,000 feet. During departure, pilot was cleared to climb to 9,000 feet and told to expect clearance to 11,000 feet 5 minutes later. Radar data showed aircraft climbed at about 1,500 feet/minute and 100 knots, slowing slightly above 8,000 feet. At abt 9,000 feet, aircraft started to level and accelerate. It then climbed momentarily, deviated laterally from course and entered steep descent. Inflight breakup occurred and wreckage was scattered over 4,100 feet area. Trajectory study showed breakup occurred between 4,500 feet and 6,500 feet as aircraft was in steep descent in excess of 266 knots. Metallurgical examination of wings and stabilizers revealed features typical of overstress separation; no pre-existing cracks or defects were found. The aircraft was recently purchased. Pilot's son indicated principal problem was 'twenty year leap in technology' from previously owned PA-24, that pilot had difficulty with avionics and flight director/autopilot, and that he lacked detail training in autopilot emergencies. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to activate the pitot heat before flying at and above the freezing level in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), followed by his improper response to erroneous airspeed indications that resulted from blockage of the pitot tube by atmospheric icing. Contributing to the accident was spatial disorientation of the pilot.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46P-350 Malibu Mirage in Des Moines

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1989 at 1726 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Paramount Leasing Corporation
Registration:
N919S
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Omaha - Des Moines
MSN:
46-22076
YOM:
1989
Location:
Des Moines
Iowa
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2278
Captain / Total hours on type:
832.00
Aircraft flight hours:
65
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on an ILS approach at dusk in IMC and icing conditions with the alternate air on. According to the pilot, he had just descended below an overcast, on final approach, when the engine lost power and would not respond to throttle application. A forced landing was made in a wooded area short of the runway and the aircraft was extensively damaged. During an exam of the engine, the turbocharger and wastegate transition pipes were found separated at the flange. Carbonaceous residue was found in the area of separation, but no heat damage was noted. The gasket, bolts, washers and self-locking nuts (for holding the pipes together) were not found. Later, the engine ran successfully during an operational check. During the investigation, 3 similar cases of pipe separation were identified, which involved another aircraft; these resulted in only partial losses of power. The right front seat passenger reported seeing a trace of ice on the wings as the aircraft was descending thru clouds. The pitot heat, stall warning heat, and ice light switch were fnd in the 'off' position. At 1650 cst, the temperature and dew point at the surface were 36° and 35° respectively. All three occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The light conditions (dusk) and trees in in the emergency landing area were considered to be contributing factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage near Roskilde: 2 killed

Date & Time: Sep 16, 1989
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Registration:
OY-CEZ
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
46-22030
YOM:
1989
Location:
Roskilde
Sjælland
Country:
Denmark
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Roskilde Airport, the engine failed. The pilot lost control of the aircraft that crashed in Hedeland, about 4 km northeast of the airfield. The pilot and one passenger were killed while two other passengers were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Engine failure for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Bristol: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 31, 1989 at 1606 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Stout Leasing
Registration:
N9114B
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Tullahoma – Kalamazoo
MSN:
46-8408046
YOM:
1984
Location:
Bristol
Indiana
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
1619
Captain / Total hours on type:
17.00
Aircraft flight hours:
705
Circumstances:
After being cleared to descend to 12,000 feet and to deviate around a 'big cell', the aircraft entered an area of level two and three thunderstorms. Subsequently, an in-flight breakup occurred and wreckage was scattered over a four mile area. During the breakup, the right wing and empennage separated from the aircraft. The left wing and spar also failed at the same location as the right wing, but the left wing remained with the fuselage. No pre-accident failure, malfunction or metal fatigue of the aircraft was found drg the investigation. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Continued flight by the pilot into known adverse weather and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, which resulted in failure of the wing spars and separation of the right wing and empennage (stabilizers). Contributing factors were: continued flight by the pilot above the maneuvering speed (va), his lack of familiarity with the make and model of aircraft, and thunderstorms.
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Vienna

Date & Time: Jan 27, 1989 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Registration:
OE-KDB
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Krakow - Vienna
MSN:
46-8608046
YOM:
1986
Location:
Vienna-Schwechat
Vienna
Country:
Austria
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Vienna-Schwechat Airport, the pilot was forced to initiate a go-around procedure for unknown reasons when the engine failed. He attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft struck the ground and crashed in an open field located near the village of Probstdorf, about 6 km short of runway 16 threshold. All five occupants were injured, the pilot seriously.
Probable cause:
Engine failure on short final for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Hamburg: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 9, 1988 at 1525 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Jochen Pemöller
Registration:
D-EIHR
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Lemwerder - Hamburg
MSN:
46-8408054
YOM:
1984
Location:
Hamburg-Finkenwerder
Hamburg
Country:
Germany
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft departed Lemwerder Airtport at 1457LT bound to the northeast with five passengers and one pilot on board. While on approach to Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport, the pilot initiated a go-around when he lost control of the airplane that crashed on the ground. Two occupants were killed and four others were injured.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Long Beach: 1 killed

Date & Time: Nov 29, 1987 at 1843 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Registration:
N4369V
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Carslbad - Long Beach
MSN:
46-8408076
YOM:
1984
Location:
Long Beach
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4782
Captain / Total hours on type:
237.00
Circumstances:
During the return flight to San Jose and subsequent descent and approach to the Long Beach Airport, the two pilots experienced, in succession, a failure of the turbocharger system, loss of an alternator, loss of engine oil pressure, an unsafe landing gear indication, and an in-flight fire followed by the loss of engine power during a night time circling approach to an unfamiliar airport in visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft crashed onto the southbound lanes of the San Diego freeway at Long Beach after making a flyby of the tower to confirm the landing gear position. The investigation revealed an improperly installed turbocharger, a cracked manifold exhaust, a burned main power lead, a separated cylinder, and a low fluid level in the hydraulic reservoir. Two years prior to this accident, the instructor pilot made an unintentional gear up landing in another aircraft. One year prior to this accident the FAA revoked the mechanic's inspection authorization.
Probable cause:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
Pilot's failure to land the aircraft after experiencing the pilot's Faulty decision was his previous experience with a gear up landing a Couple of years before.
Findings
Occurrence #1: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. Exhaust system, turbocharger - failure, partial
2. (f) exhaust system, turbocharger - disengaged
3. (f) engine installation, mounting bolt - separation
4. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company maintenance personnel
5. (f) maintenance, inspection - poor - company maintenance personnel
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
6. (f) electrical system, electric wiring - burned
7. Electrical system, alternator - disabled
8. (c) hydraulic system, accumulator - low level
9. Landing gear, gear indicating system - false indication
10. (c) low pass - intentional - pilot in command (cfi)
11. (f) anxiety/apprehension - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #3: fire
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
12. (c) engine assembly, cylinder - fatigue
13. Engine assembly, cylinder - separation
14. Go-around - performed - pilot in command (cfi)
15. (f) judgment - poor - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #4: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
Findings
16. (f) fluid, oil - starvation
----------
Occurrence #5: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
17. Light condition - night
18. (c) stall/mush - encountered - pilot in command (cfi)
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Guaymas

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1987
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
Marcel Georgi
Registration:
N4367K
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
46-8408071
YOM:
1984
Location:
Guaymas
Sonora
Country:
Mexico
Region:
Central America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Crashed on landing for unknown reasons. Both occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in West Mifflin: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 15, 1986 at 2247 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
J. Meade Williamson
Registration:
N27EE
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Pittsburgh – Philadelphia
MSN:
46-8608036
YOM:
1986
Location:
West Mifflin
Pennsylvania
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
1166
Captain / Total hours on type:
127.00
Aircraft flight hours:
349
Circumstances:
At 2232 edt, the aircraft was climbing to 15,000 feet when the pilot reported a low oil pressure light. ATC advised Jimmy Stewart Field is about eleven thirty and 15 miles. After the pilot asked, 'is that a Tower Field?', ATC advised he did not know, Westmoreland County is at two o'clock and about 15 miles, turn right 180°, descend and maintain 4,000 feet. At 2233 edt, ATC said that they believe Westmoreland County Tower is closed down. The pilot said that he was thinking of where he should go and ATC advised Pittsburgh's 35 miles away if you can make that. At 2234:35 edt, the aircraft was returning to Pittsburgh when the pilot reported zero oil pressure and an oil light. At 2237:27 edt, the pilot reported an emergency. Flight was cleared to Allegheny County Airport and advised Monroeville Airport 230 heading and 5 miles. The aircraft crashed at 2247 edt. The investigation showed a loose flange nut on left turbocharger feed line finger tight. Test produced a steady leak. At site oil covered bottom of fuselage and empennage. Two passengers were killed while two other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: climb - to cruise
Findings
1. (c) lubricating system, oil tubing - loose
2. (c) maintenance - inadequate - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) fluid, oil - exhaustion
4. (c) engine assembly - failure, partial
5. (f) emergency procedure - delayed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
Findings
6. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Boulder: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 26, 1986 at 0740 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
High Winds
Registration:
N4346L
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Aerial photography
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Boulder - Boulder
MSN:
46-8408038
YOM:
1984
Location:
Boulder
Colorado
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
1255
Captain / Total hours on type:
83.00
Aircraft flight hours:
382
Circumstances:
The purpose of the flight for both aircraft was an aerial photo mission. N5113S was used as the camera platform. The pilots of N5113S and N4346L discussed prior to takeoff the procedures of the flight. Both aircraft departed and flew a course to position the airplanes on a southerly heading. N5113S was to the east and slightly above and ahead of N4346L. The photographer shot one roll of film and reloaded. He was ready to begin shooting when N4346L began to close in on N5113S. The pilot of N5113S felt two 'bumps' as N4346L closed, and did not see the aircraft pass under. The pilot of N5113S maneuvered his aircraft to determine controllability and saw N4346L spiralling to the ground. Examination of N4346L revealed the vertical stab and rudder had separated in-flight. There were numerous paint smears found on the right side on N5113S. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: midair collision
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) in-flight planning/decision - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) altitude - misjudged - pilot in command
3. (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command
4. (c) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command
5. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
6. Vertical stabilizer surface - separation
7. Flight control, rudder - separation
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Findings
8. Object - vehicle
9. Object - none suitable
Final Report:
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