On April 26, 1982, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N39669) operated by Skyscenes, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff after reducing power on one engine during a check ride, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and striking a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A multi-engine airplane crashed after the pilot aborted a takeoff during a flight check ride, striking a tree and ending up in a cemetery at an airport with a high elevation of 5270 feet.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of a proficiency check, specifically a multi-engine airplane check ride administered to the pilot-in-command. During the initial phase of the takeoff sequence, the designated examiner intentionally reduced power on one engine to simulate an engine failure scenario.
In response to this simulated emergency, the pilot determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the aircraft. Consequently, the decision was made to abort the takeoff. Despite the attempt to halt, the airplane continued its forward momentum beyond the paved surface of the runway.
The aircraft crossed a public road and subsequently collided with a tree. The impact brought the airplane to a final rest within the boundaries of an adjacent cemetery. The accident occurred at an airport situated at an elevation of 5270 feet above mean sea level.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff after reducing power on one engine during a check ride, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and striking a tree.