Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, Oct 23, 2009 (3 killed)
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on October 23, 2009 near Zephyrhills, Florida, United States with 3 fatalities. Cause:...
- Date: October 23, 2009
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Zephyrhills, Florida, United States
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Total loss of engine power during a night approach for reasons that could not be determined. Teardown of the engine showed no pre-impact mechanical malfunction, but the fuel and ignition systems were destroyed by fire.
A Piper Malibu on a night flight from Gainesville to Lakeland lost engine power on approach. The pilot declared an emergency and was vectored toward an alternate airport, but the aircraft hit wooded terrain about 4 miles short of the runway. A post-crash fire destroyed most of the wreckage and all three occupants died.