What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-10-31 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N3EV, at Fitchburg, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's inadequate in-flight decision and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing was the flight instructor's failure to follow standard practices while simulating and practicing emergency procedures which resulted in his initiating of a…

Single-Engine Go-Around During Multi-Engine Training Flight Ends in Accident (N3EV)

On October 31, 1997, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N3EV) was involved in an aviation accident near Fitchburg, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate in-flight decision and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a multi-engine training flight, a single-engine go-around was initiated on final approach. The aircraft entered a shallow climb then descended nose-down and struck the ground with the left engine feathered and gear extended. No mechanical failure was found.

Flight Details

The accident flight was the second multi-engine training flight for a pilot trainee. During the final approach, the left engine was observed feathered and the landing gear was extended. With the runway clear, a single-engine go-around was initiated.

Maneuver and Impact

After the go-around, the airplane was seen climbing very shallowly. Witnesses then observed the aircraft descend in a nose-down attitude and strike the ground. Post-impact examination confirmed the left engine propeller was feathered and the landing gear remained extended at impact.

Investigation

Investigators found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction in either the airframe or the feathered engine. Certification requirements for the airplane did not mandate a single-engine go-around capability. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) publications cautioned against performing single-engine go-arounds.

Similar Incident

The flight instructor had previously performed a single-engine go-around in the same airplane, also with the left engine shut down. However, in that instance the landing gear was retracted. The student on that flight reported the airplane climbed at between 50 and 200 feet per minute.

1997-10-31: Piper PA-23-150 (N3EV) — Fitchburg, MA