Flight Details
The accident flight was conducted for crew coordination training and was administered by Flight Safety International on behalf of Aer Lingus, a foreign airline. On board were a certified flight instructor (CFI) and two foreign pilots, who had previously obtained U.S. certifications with single- and multi-engine ratings.
Accident Sequence
According to radar data, before the accident the aircraft was heading northeast. It then turned east while maintaining a constant altitude of 3,500 feet. After turning east, its ground speed slowed to 53 knots. The aircraft then began a right turn at a rate of 125 degrees per minute. After turning south, its ground speed slowed to 37 knots. Subsequently, the aircraft entered a descent, which increased to 8,000 feet per minute. Witnesses observed the aircraft spinning left in a nose-down attitude before it impacted the ocean.
Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. Examination of the wreckage indicated that at impact, neither engine was operating, flaps were extended 10 degrees, the main landing gear was extended, and the nose gear was in transit. The aircraft manufacturer reported that a spin may cause an interruption of fuel to the engines by exceeding the carburetor limitations. Intentional spins were prohibited. The VMC (minimum control speed) and stall speeds were 56 and 54 knots, respectively.