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Fatal Piper PA-46 Crash at Dunkeswell Airfield (N186CB)

Buttles Farm, Churchinford, Somerset , GB

On November 14, 2015, a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage (registration N186CB) was involved in an aviation accident near Buttles Farm, Churchinford, Somerset , GB. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation was unable to determine why the aircraft made the initial rapid climb, but evidence suggested the pilot may have manually overridden the autopilot without realizing it was still engaged, causing an out-of-trim condition that contributed to… This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, N186CB, crashed into a field near Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon, on 14 November 2015. All four occupants were killed during an approach in poor weather.

Accident Overview and Aircraft Details On 14 November 2015, a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, registration N186CB, was destroyed in a crash at Buttles Farm, Churchinford, Somerset. The aircraft, manufactured in 1990, was powered by a single Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A piston engine. The private flight carried one pilot and three passengers, all of whom were fatally injured in the impact. The pilot, a 56-year-old owner of the aircraft, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and an IMC rating, with a total of 600 flying hours, including 260 on type. The investigation was conducted by the AAIB Field Investigation team.

Probable cause

The investigation was unable to determine why the aircraft made the initial rapid climb, but evidence suggested the pilot may have manually overridden the autopilot without realizing it was still engaged, causing an out-of-trim condition that contributed to the aircraft pitching up rapidly.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Nov 2015 Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage accident near Buttles Farm, Churchinford, Somerset , GB?

A Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, N186CB, crashed into a field near Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon, on 14 November 2015. All four occupants were killed during an approach in poor weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Nov 2015 Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Nov 2015 involved a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, registration N186CB, at Buttles Farm, Churchinford, Somerset , GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation was unable to determine why the aircraft made the initial rapid climb, but evidence suggested the pilot may have manually overridden the autopilot without realizing it was still engaged, causing an out-of-trim condition that contributed to the aircraft pitching up rapidly.

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