Incident Overview
A repositioning flight involving engine-out training resulted in a tree strike near the departure end of the runway. The pilot-in-command (PIC) was conducting the training with the copilot.
Sequence of Events
During initial climbout after takeoff, approximately 300 feet above ground level, the PIC simulated a right engine failure. Following the simulated failure, airspeed and altitude began to decay. The PIC reported fixating on the airspeed and terminated the training as the airspeed neared single-engine best angle of climb airspeed (Vxse).
As power was applied on both engines, the airplane struck trees near the departure end of the runway. The aircraft continued to fly and was subsequently landed back at the airport.
Pilot Actions and Aircraft Performance
The PIC’s focus on airspeed led to the termination of the simulated failure scenario. The Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) contained a caution advising that minimum altitude for obstacle clearance should be maintained until single-engine best rate of climb airspeed (Vyse) is attained. At a gross weight of 11,500 pounds, the single-engine climb rate should have been a positive 700 feet per minute.
Conclusion
The aircraft impacted trees during the maneuver but remained flyable, allowing the crew to return and land safely. No injuries or further damage were reported.