Summary
On September 15, 2009, at 2055 Western European Summer Time, a Piper PA-34-220T aircraft, registration OO-TML, operated by Ben-Air Flight Academy, was destroyed after impacting terrain during a night navigation training flight. The aircraft disappeared from radar and no communication contact could be established. The flight instructor and two students on board were fatally injured. The wreckage was discovered at 2145 spread over a large area.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-34-220T, registered to Ben-Air Flight Academy. The flight was conducted as a night navigation training mission. The exact departure point and intended route are not specified in the released information.
Accident Sequence
At 2055 WEST, the aircraft disappeared from radar coverage. Attempts to establish communication with the flight were unsuccessful. The wreckage was later located at 2145, scattered over a wide area, indicating a high-energy impact.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Portugal. This report is based solely on information released by the Portuguese authorities. No probable cause has been stated in the available source.