Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Jun 1, 2008
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on June 1, 2008 near Berdoues, Gers, France with no fatalities. Cause: The pilot did not...
- Date: June 1, 2008
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Berdoues, Gers, France
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: The pilot did not properly assess the wind and weather, and his judgment was impaired by alcohol (blood alcohol 0.98 per mille). The takeoff distance required exceeded the runway length.
The owner-pilot, who also managed the aerodrome, took five guests up from Berdoues as a storm cell approached. He chose a flapless takeoff on a 780 metre runway after the wind shifted to a tailwind. The aircraft failed to climb, struck trees and lost its undercarriage and left wing, and all six occupants survived with minor injuries.