Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a training flight with the intention of simulating an engine power loss during the early stages of the takeoff roll. The plan was for the student to perform a rejected takeoff procedure in response.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 48 knots, the CFI reduced power on the left engine by cutting off fuel flow using the mixture control. According to the CFI, the student's slow reaction to abort the takeoff, combined with gusty crosswind conditions, caused the aircraft to veer out of control. The deviation was beyond corrective action.
Environmental Conditions
Post-accident calculations revealed that the runway in use had a headwind component of 17 knots and a crosswind component of 11 knots. The density altitude was 3,000 feet, affecting the normally aspirated engines.