Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Stall During Go-Around in Modified Aircraft (N9367Y)

Paradise, CA, US

On April 3, 1992, a Beech A33 (registration N9367Y) operated by Desmet, Jeffrey G. was involved in an aviation accident near Paradise, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADVERTENT USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL INSTEAD OF THE COWL FLAPS AT A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT, HIS MISUSE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AFTER THE ENGINE FAILURE AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE STUDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and instructor experienced an engine failure after a go-around, followed by a deep stall. The aircraft had been modified with a higher-horsepower engine requiring cowl flaps, but the control was located differently than specified by the STC.

Incident

A student pilot, with a total of 60 flight hours including 25 hours in type (all dual), was flying with his current flight instructor. They returned to their home base airport to perform a prearranged go-around, intended to finalize their dual period for the evening. After completing the approach to the runway, the instructor called for a go-around. Once the climb was established at approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the instructor directed the student to open the cowl flaps. Moments later, the engine suddenly and without warning quit.

Sequence of Events

Following the engine failure, the student pilot pulled the control yoke all the way back, causing the aircraft to enter a deep stall. The instructor reported this sequence of events. No further details about the outcome of the stall or the subsequent handling were provided in the source.

Aircraft Modifications

The airplane had been modified to accommodate an engine with more horsepower, which necessitated the installation of cowl flaps. According to the FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) modification drawings, the push-pull control for the cowl flaps was required to be located to the left of the throttle console on a separate switch panel. However, in the accident aircraft, the actual location of that control was found to the right of the throttle, below the propeller control and next to another component not specified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.