What happened
A training flight involving an instructor and a student pilot crashed in a wooded area approximately one mile southeast of runway 28 at East Hampton Airport. Prior to the accident, the pilot contacted the airport while located 10 miles west of the field to request and receive airport advisories. No further radio communications were recorded.
A witness near the crash site reported hearing an airplane, followed by the sound of the engines stopping. Approximately 40 seconds after the engine noise ceased, the witness heard the sound of the impact.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that both propellers were feathered at the time of the accident. A mechanical inspection of the airplane found no evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Findings
The student pilot was a commercial pilot with 3,500 hours of flight time, undergoing training for a multi-engine rating. The investigation determined that during previous training sessions, the student had demonstrated a lack of proficiency regarding emergency procedures and simulated instrument flight. Additionally, it was noted that the student had previously operated a Beech 95, an aircraft featuring reverse placement of the mixture, propeller, and throttle controls.