On May 12, 1998, a Beech 76 (registration N6701C) was involved in an aviation accident near Frisco, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control resulting in an inadvertent stall while performing simulated single engine maneuvers during a practical test for a multiengine rating. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a commercial multi-engine practical test, the pilot lost control in the traffic pattern. A witness observed a sharp right turn. The airplane impacted left wing low with gear and flaps retracted. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Overview
A twin-engine airplane experienced a loss of control while in the traffic pattern during a practical test for a commercial multi-engine rating. The FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE) was seated in the right seat to administer the test. The pilot had received an additional 5 hours of dual instruction after failing a previous practical test due to unsatisfactory performance of a Vmca maneuver with the same check pilot.
Witness Observations
A witness observed the airplane climbing out and executing a sharp right turn towards the north.
Wreckage Examination
Ground scars revealed that the airplane impacted the ground left wing low in a slight nose low attitude, with the landing gear and flaps retracted. The left engine propeller remained attached and did not exhibit any signs of twisting, rotational scoring, or leading edge damage. The right engine propeller separated from the engine and showed leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches. The elevator trim actuator was found in the 14-degree trim down (nose up) position.
Mechanical Findings
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal flight.