Date & Time:
Jan 1, 1994 at 1420 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
Operator:
George M. Batsche
Registration:
N243KW
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Naples - Destin
MSN:
46-8508089
YOM:
1985
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
1
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
1262
Aircraft flight hours:
1262
Circumstances:
The pilot was executing an ASR approach to runway 32 and 9 seconds after the approach controller advised the pilot that the flight was over the missed approach point, the pilot advised the controller that the airport was in sight and he would be circling to land. The controller acknowledged this and witnesses observed the airplane flying northwesterly west of runway 32 about 150-200 feet above ground level. They then observed the airplane enter a left bank between 60-80 degrees and the airplane pitched nose down and collided with trees then a fence and the ground. There was a small post crash fire which was extinguished by the fire department. Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the flight controls. The engine was removed and placed on a test bench and after replacement of several components which were impact damaged, the engine started and operated normally. The passenger was seated in the furthest aft right seat and the lap belt attach point on the right side of this seat failed due to overload.
Probable cause:
Airspeed not maintained, inadvertent stall/mush, and altitude inadequate for recovery from the inflight loss of control by the pilot-in-command while circling for landing.
Final Report:
N243KW.pdf99.59 KB
