What happened
A flight instructor and a dual student were engaged in a training session involving a simulated right engine failure during the takeoff roll. After successfully completing the simulation, the aircraft began its actual takeoff. Shortly after leaving the ground, the left engine ceased operation.
The instructor took control of the aircraft but was unable to maintain enough altitude to clear trees located at the end of the runway. The aircraft collided with these trees before ultimately impacting the ground. There were no injuries reported among the occupants.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft's fuel system was conducted following the accident. Investigators discovered silicone-type material inside the left fuel tank. This substance had clogged a hand pump that was being used to drain the fuel tank at the accident site.
Subsequent testing showed that the left engine could run successfully when using an alternate fuel system, and no other mechanical abnormalities were identified during the examination.