Loss of Control During Simulated Engine-Out Approach

Casualties unknown • Plymouth, MA, US

A pilot-under-instruction and a flight instructor were involved in a ground impact after a struggle for control occurred during a simulated engine-out approach.

What happened

During a multi-engine instructional flight, the pilot-under-instruction (PUI) was operating from the left seat while the flight instructor occupied the right seat. The flight was intended to be a simulated engine-out approach, with the right engine set to zero thrust.

As the aircraft reached short final, the airspeed began to decrease. Following instructions from the instructor, the PUI increased power; however, due to insufficient rudder input, the aircraft drifted toward the right. The instructor announced his intention to take control and subsequently did so, at which point the PUI relinquished control.

Because of the low altitude and the stabilized state of the aircraft, the instructor intended to land in the grass adjacent to the runway. During this phase, the PUI grabbed the yoke and pulled back on it while screaming. This resulted in a struggle for control between both pilots. As the aircraft fell below minimum control airspeed, it struck the ground in a high right-angle of bank.

Prior to the accident, the instructor had contacted an examiner to cancel the PUI's scheduled check ride, describing the student as unpredictable and prone to performing unusual actions independently.

Probable cause

A struggle for control between the pilot-under-instruction and the flight instructor caused the aircraft to drop below minimum control airspeed and strike the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-31 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Plymouth, MA?

A pilot-under-instruction and a flight instructor were involved in a ground impact after a struggle for control occurred during a simulated engine-out approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-31 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N98FM, at Plymouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A struggle for control between the pilot-under-instruction and the flight instructor caused the aircraft to drop below minimum control airspeed and strike the ground.

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.

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