Accident Details
A flight involving an instructor and a student ended in a crash in a wooded area approximately one mile southeast of Runway 28 at East Hampton Airport. The pilot had radioed the airport from about 10 miles west, requesting and receiving airport advisories, but no further radio calls were made.
Witness Account
A witness near the accident site reported first hearing an airplane, followed by the engine sounds stopping. After about 40 seconds, the witness heard the sound of the crash.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that both propellers were feathered at the time of the crash. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Student Background
The student was a commercial certificated pilot with 3,500 hours of flight time, who was undergoing training for a multiengine rating. The investigation revealed that on previous training flights, the student had demonstrated a lack of proficiency in the performance of simulated instrument and emergency procedures. Additionally, the student had previously flown a Beech 95, which has a reversed placement of throttle, propeller, and mixture controls compared to the training aircraft.