Accident Overview
An instructional flight involving two airline transport pilot-rated pilots, one a flight instructor and the other a student instructor undergoing multiengine instructor training, experienced a loss of control and subsequent ground impact. The accident occurred approximately one hour after takeoff, about 5 nautical miles east of the airport. The flight instructor had initiated a simulated left engine failure, setting the left engine to a zero-thrust condition. The crew conducted a visual flight rules approach to runway 27.
Approach and Initial Landing Attempt
During the landing flare, the student instructor—who, according to the flight instructor, was controlling the aircraft—failed to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. The airspeed also dropped below the aircraft's single-engine minimum control airspeed (Vmc) during the flare. In response, the flight instructor called for a go-around, and both pilots advanced the throttles. The aircraft accelerated normally and began a climb, as reported by the flight instructor.
Loss of Control
The flight instructor then reduced flaps to 10 degrees. Subsequently, the aircraft began to roll and yaw to the left. The flight instructor applied full right aileron and full right rudder, and reduced power on both engines in an effort to regain control. Despite these inputs, the aircraft struck the ground in approximately a 30-degree left banked attitude, spun around, and caught fire.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examinations of the aircraft's flight controls and left engine, conducted by FAA and Textron Lycoming investigators, revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical discrepancies.