Background
A designated pilot examiner was conducting a reexamination flight test for a private pilot seeking a multiengine class rating. The applicant had previously failed a flight test due to an inability to maintain altitude during a simulated engine failure while flying a practice instrument approach under simulated instrument conditions. Following that failure, the applicant received 1.5 hours of remedial flight instruction from his flight instructor.
Accident Flight
During the accident flight test, radar data showed the airplane paralleling the outbound course of the VOR instrument approach at the procedure turn altitude. Witnesses observed the airplane descending in a flat spin and subsequently crashing into an open field.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right engine's propeller blades had damage to all three blades consistent with rotation. The left engine's propeller blades showed one blade undamaged and two blades bent aft. No evidence was found indicating that any of the blades had been feathered. Additionally, no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions was discovered.
Additional Information
The airplane was equipped with a throw-over type of control column for elevator and aileron control, which was located in front of the applicant. The decision to use an airplane without dual flight controls is at the discretion of the examiner.