Accident Overview
On February 6, 2019, about 1530 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N997MA, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain short of the runway near Aurora, Oregon. The private pilot and a flight instructor were seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice commercial pilot maneuvers. After practicing slow flight, chandelles, lazy eights, and eights on pylons, the crew returned to the airport and discussed how to conduct a practice power-off 180° landing as they entered the traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
When the airplane was abeam the 1,000-foot runway markings, the pilot reduced the power to idle and initiated a left turn toward the runway. He stated that he realized the airplane was “probably not going to make the runway” and that it was “not on final course.” He recalled the airplane turning sharply to the left as he pulled up on the control yoke and added right rudder. He could not recall whether he applied power.
Video Evidence
A video of the event showed the airplane in a left turn as it descended toward the runway. The airplane’s left bank decreased to a wings-level attitude before it entered a steeper left bank, followed immediately by a right bank as the airplane descended into the ground short of the runway.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane’s right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and flight instructor were seriously injured.
Mechanical Status
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.