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Crash of a Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian in Glory: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 12, 2013 at 0854 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N5339V
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Paris – Austin
MSN:
46-97110
YOM:
2001
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2365
Captain / Total hours on type:
127.00
Aircraft flight hours:
1614
Circumstances:
The instrument-rated pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to departure that contained surface observations along the route of flight, as well as significant meteorological (SIGMET) and airman's meteorological (AIRMET) information. The briefing also included convective weather advisories, a convective outlook, the area forecast, pilot reports, radar summary, and winds aloft information. The area forecast included overcast ceilings at 1,500 feet mean sea level (msl) with cloud tops at 6,000 feet msl, visibility between 3 and 5 miles, light rain and mist, and isolated thunderstorms with cumulonimbus tops to 35,000 feet msl. After the pilot departed, he established contact with air traffic control; the airplane was initially observed on radar heading toward the destination airport. An analysis of radar from the day of the accident indicated that isolated thunderstorms existed and that, almost 4 minutes after departing, the airplane encountered an area of developing rain showers and vertical updrafts. The airplane began a descending right turn followed by a brief climb, then another descent; its ground speed slowed from 202 knots to 110 knots before the data ended. At that time, the airplane was at 4,500 feet msl. A witness said he heard the airplane but was unable to see it due to the low cloud layer. A few moments later, he saw the airplane exit the cloud layer in a spin before it impacted the ground. A postaccident examination revealed no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane and engine.
Probable cause:
The pilot's encounter with convective weather, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas TB-26B Invader in Paris

Date & Time: Aug 17, 1985 at 0945 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N190M
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Paris - Fargo
MSN:
27435
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9485
Captain / Total hours on type:
1050.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft had not flown for two years and was being checked out for a ferry flight to the USAF Air Museum in Fargo, ND. During initial climb from Cox Field at Paris, TX, the left engine lost total power and the right engine lost partial power. An off airport forced landing was attempted, however, the aircraft impacted the terrain and trees. The reason for the power loss was not determined. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
2. (f) object - tree(s)
3. (f) airport/facilities - none suitable
----------
Occurrence #4: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FL in Paris: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 19, 1968 at 1036 LT
Registration:
N224W
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
680-1561-109
YOM:
1965
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8700
Captain / Total hours on type:
63.00
Circumstances:
While cruising under VFR mode, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed near Paris, Texas. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent after the aircraft encountered thunderstorm activity and turbulences. Overload failure.
Final Report: