Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-46-500TP near Milton, FL — 2009-01-12

Final reportERA09FA133
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Date
2009-01-12
Location
Milton, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-46-500TP
Registration
N428DC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's intentional inflight abandonment of the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot filed a flight plan from his home airport to an airport about 1 mile from the Gulf of Mexico. During the flight, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he was encountering moderate to severe turbulence and, later, that the windshield was "cracking." After reporting the loss of the airplane’s door, the pilot advised that the windshield "has gone." The pilot later transmitted that the airplane’s flight controls were locked, that he was bleeding profusely, and that he was "graying out." The pilot further advised that he intended to "point the aircraft at the gulf," and he then parachuted from the airplane without advising air traffic control. As the airplane continued toward the Gulf of Mexico, air traffic controllers continued attempts to assist the pilot, with no response. The airplane eventually impacted wooded terrain, under power, about 18 nautical miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and about 100 yards from a residential area. An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions, that the door was still attached to the airframe, and that the windshield was undamaged and secured in its frame. A law enforcement investigation subsequently determined that the pilot, who was facing legal problems, intentionally parachuted from the aircraft near where he had previously stashed a motorcycle. The pilot was apprehended and subsequently plead guilty to federal criminal charges.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land instead of descending further.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 26 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents26

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