Single-engine go-around attempt leads to terrain collision near Lake Elsinore

Casualties unknown • Lake Elsinore, CA, US

A pilot attempting a single-engine go-around in a PA-34-200 collided with the terrain near Lake Elsinore, California, after failing to clear obstacles.

What happened

During a flight training session near Lake Elsinore, California, the instructor pilot (CFI) intentionally shut down the left engine and feathered the propeller of a PA-34-200 to demonstrate single-engine procedures and performance to a student.

Following this demonstration, the student was instructed to perform a single-engine landing. However, the student approached the final approach at an excessive speed and altitude. In an attempt to correct the approach, the student initiated a go-around, but the aircraft failed to establish a positive rate of climb.

The CFI took control of the aircraft to assist, but was also unable to achieve a sufficient rate of climb to clear power lines situated at the end of the runway. To avoid the wires, the CFI descended the aircraft to fly underneath them. While the aircraft eventually entered a positive rate of climb following this maneuver, it did not gain enough altitude to clear houses located in the flight path. The CFI subsequently elected to perform a straight-ahead landing.

There were no injuries reported, and there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions reported with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-03-24 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Lake Elsinore, CA?

A pilot attempting a single-engine go-around in a PA-34-200 collided with the terrain near Lake Elsinore, California, after failing to clear obstacles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-03-24 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N4374T, operated by Steve Mayes, at Lake Elsinore, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

CFI DISPLAYED POOR JUDGEMENT IN HIS DEMONSTRATION OF SINGLE ENGINE OPERATION OF A TWIN ENGINE ACFT. HIS LACK OF SUPERVISION OF AN IMPROPER, DETERIORATING SITUATION ASSURED AN UNSUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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