Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 46-350P near Owensboro, KY — 2010-04-25

Final reportERA10IA254
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Date
2010-04-25
Location
Owensboro, KY, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 46-350P
Registration
N46PT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A failure of the pilot's side window due to undetected cracking around the lower aft portion of the storm window cutout.

NTSB narrative

While flying at 15,000 feet in the pressurized airplane, the pilot's side window blew out. The pilot successfully diverted to a nearby airport and landed uneventfully after performing an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions. Postincident examination of the window revealed that the primary fracture, which ultimately resulted in the in-flight loss of the window, exhibited signatures of preexisting cracking. The airframe manufacturer had previously issued a service bulletin that detailed inspections of the window for cracking, and while the cracking observed on the incident window occurred outside of the area called out in the service bulletin, review of the incident airplane's maintenance records showed no evidence that any portion of the service bulletin had ever been complied with.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Failure to inspect or replace the pilot side window as per service bulletin requirements.

NTSB coding

  • Part(s) separation from AC · Enroute-cruise

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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