In this episode of the Aviation News Talk podcast, Max provides an in-depth analysis of the tragic crash of a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, registered as N629AG, which occurred while the aircraft was attempting a visual approach to runway 12 at Anderson Municipal Airport (KAID) in Indiana. The episode dissects the series of events leading up to the crash, highlighting key factors such as descent planning, airspeed management, and the pilot’s use of available tools.
The aircraft departed from Fort Dodge Regional Airport (KFOD) in Iowa at 6:48 AM CDT on an IFR flight plan, climbing to FL210. The weather conditions at Anderson were reported as favorable, with clear skies and light winds, making it suitable for a visual approach. The aircraft’s flight path was relatively straightforward until the final approach to runway 12.
The critical issue began when the aircraft started its descent from 6800 feet MSL while 12 nautical miles (nm) from the runway, which was approximately 2000 feet higher than the ideal altitude for a 3-degree glide path. The pilot’s challenge was to manage both the descent rate and the airspeed to align with the glide path while preparing the aircraft for landing.
The episode discusses the various tools and calculations that could have helped the pilot manage the descent more effectively. For instance, the Garmin G1000 system in the aircraft could have provided valuable information on the aircraft’s descent profile, but it requires the pilot to be familiar with its configuration. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing these tools, especially when performing complex tasks like managing a descent from a high altitude.
A significant focus of the discussion is on airspeed management during the approach. As the aircraft descended, its airspeed remained high, reaching 207 knots at 10 miles from the runway. Despite a slight reduction in speed and an increase in descent rate, the aircraft remained above the glide path, making it difficult to slow down and configure the aircraft for landing. The episode highlights that the aircraft’s landing gear extension speed was 165 knots, and the pilot only reached this speed after passing the airport, making it impossible to extend the flaps or gear in time.
In the final moments of the flight, the aircraft was still high and fast, with a descent rate that did not adequately bring it down to the glide path. As it crossed the runway threshold at 142 knots and 700 feet above the ground, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the climb was poorly executed, with insufficient power applied, leading to a rapid decrease in airspeed. The aircraft stalled at an altitude of 2270 feet MSL, just over a mile beyond the runway, resulting in the fatal crash.
The episode speculates on possible distractions in the cockpit, such as communication with air traffic control and interactions with passengers, which may have contributed to the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around. The podcast underscores that loss of control, often due to distraction, is a leading cause of aviation accidents.
In the latter part of the episode, the host discusses the importance of descent planning, especially during straight-in approaches, which can be deceptively simple. The episode introduces several tools available in Garmin-equipped aircraft for descent planning, such as the Selected Altitude Intercept Arc, Along Track Offset, and Vertical Flight Plans. These tools can help pilots manage their descent profiles more effectively, ensuring they arrive at the proper altitude and speed for landing.
The episode concludes by stressing the avoidability of the accident, noting that basic airmanship skills, such as maintaining airspeed and proper descent planning, are crucial for safe flight operations. The host also promotes further reading and resources, including his books on Garmin glass cockpit systems, to help pilots improve their understanding and use of these critical tools.
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