Casualties unknown

1998-06-14: Beech 76 (N912KA) — Tradewinds Aviation — San Martin, CA

San Martin, CA, US

On June 14, 1998, a Beech 76 (registration N912KA) operated by Tradewinds Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near San Martin, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the instructor to adequately supervise the flight, which included ensuring that the student maintained the proper airspeed during the attempted go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a simulated engine failure led to a go-around attempt. The student pilot lost directional control and the aircraft impacted terrain with no mechanical malfunctions.

Event Description

During a training flight, the flight instructor simulated a right alternator failure, an engine fire, a left engine failure on takeoff, and a right engine failure on takeoff before the accident sequence. The accident occurred during a simulated engine failure, initiated by shutting off the fuel supply. The student pilot diverted toward an airport for an emergency landing.

While on approach, the student noted that the landing gear lights indicating the landing gear was in the down position were not illuminated. The student informed the instructor, who advised initiating a go-around.

Go-Around and Loss of Control

As the student pilot advanced the throttles for the go-around, the aircraft lurched to the right. The student pilot raised the flaps, but aircraft performance continued to deteriorate. The student pilot stated that the aircraft speed was too slow to maintain directional control, so he lowered the nose. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain in a nose-low, right wing-low attitude.

Post-Accident Inspection

The aircraft and both engines were inspected on-scene, and no mechanical malfunctions were noted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.