PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Andrew Miller, Piper Seneca V, OO-TML, in-flight breakup - September 2009 Portugal.
Old 16th November 2009 | 22:47
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GobonaStick
 
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Europe
I wouldn't wish to pre-empt an official inquiry, and forgive me if I appear to be stating the obvious.

But if the evidence points to an in-flight break-up, and the weather appears - as the report states - suitable for training, then I imagine the only other reasonable conclusion is that the airframe suffered a catastrophic failure.

Only the official investigation will be able to determine whether or not the aircraft was structurally sound.

I do know, however, of one in-flight break-up of a Seneca in 2002 which was attributed to pilot disorientation, and subsequent excessive manoeuvres. I mention this only because the accident about which you are inquiring occurred at night, over what appears to be featureless and unlit terrain, an environment which can test even highly-experienced crews.
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