Probable cause
A failure of the pilot's side window due to undetected cracking around the lower aft portion of the storm window cutout.
NTSB analysis
While flying at 15,000 feet in the pressurized airplane, the pilot's side window blew out. The pilot successfully diverted to a nearby airport and landed uneventfully after performing an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions. Postincident examination of the window revealed that the primary fracture, which ultimately resulted in the in-flight loss of the window, exhibited signatures of preexisting cracking. The airframe manufacturer had previously issued a service bulletin that detailed inspections of the window for cracking, and while the cracking observed on the incident window occurred outside of the area called out in the service bulletin, review of the incident airplane's maintenance records showed no evidence that any portion of the service bulletin had ever been complied with.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10IA254 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 25, 2010
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Owensboro, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 46-350P
- N-number
- N46PT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.