Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Dec 12, 2001 (3 killed)
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on December 12, 2001 near Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, United States with 3 fatalities....
- Date: December 12, 2001
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation during a missed approach, which led to an uncontrolled descent. The dark night, fog, drizzle, and the pilot's limited instrument and type experience contributed.
On a night ILS approach to Raleigh-Durham in fog, the pilot declared a missed approach at about 2,100 feet. The aircraft turned right, descended steeply, and lost radio and radar contact. It hit a tree and a house, and all three occupants died. The pilot had little time in type and limited instrument experience.