Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mira... crash, May 16, 2010
Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident on May 16, 2010 near Clearwater Air Park, Florida, United States with no fatalities....
- Date: May 16, 2010
- Aircraft: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class)
- Location: Clearwater Air Park, Florida, United States
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Overweight takeoff resulting from inadequate preflight planning, with early flap and gear retraction degrading climb performance.
A Piper Malibu/Mirage carrying two passengers from Clearwater was about 500 lb over its maximum certificated weight. The pilot lifted off about halfway down the 3,500-foot runway, retracted the gear and flaps before the recommended speeds, and could not climb clear of trees and a house beyond the runway end. Three occupants were injured and the aircraft was substantially damaged.