Fatal Piper PA-46 Crash Near Gubin, Poland

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 2 November 2010, a Piper PA-46-350P operated by a private pilot crashed near Gubin, Poland, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. The aircraft was en route from Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden to Cottbus-Drewitz under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The pilot, a 49-year-old commercial pilot, had filed a flight plan and refueled with 400 liters of fuel before departure. ## Approach and Impact Radar data indicated the aircraft began its descent at approximately 10:44 local time. It overflew the initial approach fix (IAF) for the NDB runway 25 approach at 11:04 at an altitude of 3,900 ft AMSL and a ground speed of 170 kt. As the aircraft turned left to align with the final approach course, its speed increased to approximately 200 kt. The aircraft impacted a field south of Gubin at a steep angle and high speed, breaking apart and catching fire. ## Aircraft and Pilot Background The 1998-built aircraft, serial number 46-36168, was powered by a Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A engine and equipped with a King KFC-150 autopilot. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)) with instrument and type ratings for the PA 46. He had approximately 1,315 total flight hours, including 645 on the PA 46. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with no technical issues identified prior to the flight. ## Investigation Findings The investigation noted that the aircraft's speed during the approach was significantly higher than recommended for the PA 46. The autopilot was likely engaged until the turn to final, but it could not maintain the high bank angle required at that speed to stay on course. The pilot likely had to take manual control in the clouds to avoid overshooting the final approach course. The high speed and steep impact angle resulted in non-survivable forces for the occupants.