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This report is to advance safety - not to assign fault or liability

- JIM DAVIS

ACCIDENT REPORT - PRECIS AND ANALYSIS

HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

At 0820, the privately registered Piper PA-46-350P (with the JetPROP DLX conversion) departed SeptÎles Airport, Quebec, on an IFR flight to Goose Bay with the pilot and a passenger on board. They were returning the aircraft to its home in Europe, following avionics upgrades in the U.S.

According to the ADS-B, at 0928, when the aircraft was about 85 NM from Goose Bay, it began a descent from flight level 230 and was cleared for the RNAV approach to runway 08.

At 0958, the aircraft crossed the final approach fix FAFKO at 2800 feet ASL, at a ground speed of 104 knots, and began the final descent.

Although the descent remained steady on a 3° profile, the ground speed decreased continuously for about 60 seconds.

At 0959:50, it was on a 7 mile final at 70 knots. The groundspeed then decreased to 67 knots before increasing again however it remained on a steady 3° approach profile.

At 1000:31, the pilot reported at waypoint SATAK, and the ground speed increased to over 80 knots. The tower reported the wind as 050° magnetic at 16 gusting to 22 knots. and cleared the aircraft to land on Runway 08. The pilot acknowledged at 1000:49.

Two minutes later the ground speed decreased to 51 knots. The aircraft departed controlled flight and impacted terrain when it was about 2.5 NM southwest of the airport.

The ELT activated, and a helicopter arrived three minutes later and took the occupants to hospital. The pilot died of his injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.

PILOT INFORMATION

The pilot had 2260 hours, 594 of which were IF and 1046 hours were in single-engine turbine aircraft.

He held an FAA CPL and Instructor rating and a valid medical certificate.