Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Sep 1, 2000 (4 killed)
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on September 1, 2000 near South Lake Tahoe, California, United States with 4 fatalities....
- Date: September 1, 2000
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: South Lake Tahoe, California, United States
- Fatalities: 4
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: The pilot lost control during the takeoff initial climb for reasons the NTSB could not determine. The aircraft was overweight and had a history of autopilot malfunction.
A Piper PA-46 Malibu departed South Lake Tahoe for San Diego with four people on board while about 251 pounds over its maximum takeoff weight. After a long takeoff roll it banked steeply during the initial climb and dove into trees and the ground. The airplane was consumed by impact and post-crash fire, and all four occupants died.