FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Loss of Control During Simulated Engine-Out Approach and Struggle for Control (N98FM)

Plymouth, MA, US

On August 31, 1999, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N98FM) was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, and the pilot-under-instruction's panic and subsequent interference with the flight controls. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a multi-engine instructional flight, a simulated engine-out approach led to airspeed decay and right drift. The instructor took control but the pilot-under-instruction grabbed the yoke, resulting in a struggle and a high-bank impact. The instructor had previously cancelled the pilot's check ride.

Sequence of Events

During a multi-engine instructional flight, the pilot-under-instruction (PUI) occupied the left seat and the flight instructor occupied the right seat. The PUI was performing a simulated engine-out approach, with the right engine set to zero thrust. On short final, the airplane's airspeed began to decrease. The instructor instructed the PUI to add power, which he did; however, the airplane drifted to the right due to insufficient rudder input. The instructor announced that he was taking control of the airplane, took control, and the PUI relinquished control.

Because of the low altitude and with the airplane stabilized, the instructor decided to land the airplane in the grass next to the runway. However, the PUI grabbed the yoke, pulled back on it, and started screaming. Both pilots struggled for control as the airplane went below minimum control airspeed. The airplane then struck the ground in a high right-angle of bank.

Background

Prior to the accident flight, the instructor had called an examiner to cancel the PUI's upcoming check ride. During that conversation, the instructor characterized the PUI, when flying, as unpredictable and someone who would "do unusual things on his own."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1999 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Plymouth, MA?

During a multi-engine instructional flight, a simulated engine-out approach led to airspeed decay and right drift. The instructor took control but the pilot-under-instruction grabbed the yoke, resulting in a struggle and a high-bank impact. The instructor had previously cancelled the pilot's check ride.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1999 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N98FM, at Plymouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, and the pilot-under-instruction's panic and subsequent interference with the flight controls.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19618. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.