1 fatality

2012-11-17: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (C-GWEI) — 1692614 Alberta — La Crete, Canada

La Crete, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 17, 2012, a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (registration C-GWEI) operated by 1692614 Alberta was involved in an aviation accident near La Crete, Canada during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued the descent under VFR mode in IMC conditions, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194540Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field northeast of La Crete Airport after the pilot descended in fog with 100-metre visibility. The pilot, sole occupant, was killed.

Accident

While descending to La Crete Airport at night, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft encountered foggy conditions. Visibility dropped to 100 metres. The aircraft descended too low, impacted the ground, and crashed in a snow-covered field located a few kilometres northeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the pilot continued the descent under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), resulting in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

Probable cause

The pilot continued the descent under VFR mode in IMC conditions, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.