Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Mar 28, 2008 (5 killed)
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on March 28, 2008 near Wainwright, Alberta, Canada with 5 fatalities. Cause: Gyro horizon...
- Date: March 28, 2008
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Wainwright, Alberta, Canada
- Fatalities: 5
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Gyro horizon failure from worn bearings and lack of maintenance, with the aircraft overloaded and aft of its centre of gravity limit. The pilot lost control in instrument conditions without partial-panel proficiency and the structure failed in the descent, with deficiencies in the operator's safety management.
A privately operated Piper Malibu Mirage on an IFR flight from Edmonton to Winnipeg lost its gyro horizon and autopilot while climbing at high altitude in instrument conditions. The pilot had little recent partial-panel practice, lost control and the aircraft was overstressed in an uncontrolled descent and broke up in flight. All five people on board died.