On July 24, 1985, a Piper PA-30 (registration N999RH) was involved in an aviation accident near Worcester, MA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landing practice, the instructor began retracting flaps while the student applied power. The aircraft yawed left, lost directional control, and collided with the ground, catching fire.
Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting touch-and-go landing practice. On the fourth landing, the aircraft approached and touched down with full flaps extended.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the CFI began retracting the flaps while the student applied full power for takeoff. The aircraft became airborne and began to yaw to the left. The student could no longer maintain directional control, so the CFI took control of the aircraft. The CFI then reduced power on both engines in an effort to land. The aircraft subsequently collided with the ground and began burning.
Post-Incident Examination
The CFI initially believed that a split flap condition had occurred. However, a visual examination of the aircraft revealed that both flaps were in the nearly full down position.