Andrew Miller, Piper Seneca V, OO-TML, in-flight breakup - September 2009 Portugal.

[OD100]

Andrew Miller's accident

Dear Mrs. and Mr. Miller. I am so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to bury one of their own.....

In looking at the preliminary report, I did a rough estimate in googlemaps, and would agree with others that an in-flight break up did occur. The wreckage by my rough calculation is spread over approximately 1000 meters or or more.

With just the factual data contained in the report and a review of the pictures, I would suspect that it is possible the pilot and instruction loss situational awareness at night, possible some spatial disorientation, that led to an unusual attitude, from which recovery was not possible.

With wreckage spread over such a large area, it is possible that a very high rate of speed occurred in a spatial-disorientation scenario, leading to the breakup.

The factual data indicating the gear(lever) being in the DOWN position could be consistent with an attempt to recover from a very high rate of indicated airspeed.

Engine lever control positions would seem to be consistent with normal engine operation.

I am at loss as to what events may have proceeded such a scenario, as the instructor was reasonably experienced. The PF also seemed to have a bit of flight time as well.

Again, I am only speculating. Aircraft just don't come apart...a series of events leads to in-flight breakups, and the common theme is that an over-stress condition be met....a severe overspeed and/or an inappropriate recovery to lead to this.

I'll be interested in reading more data....

I am again so sorry for your loss......