Twin-Engine Airplane Destroyed in Post-Takeoff Accident; Pilots Reported Left Engine Failure (N311V)

Accident Details

The twin-engine airplane involved in the accident was destroyed upon impact with the ground shortly after takeoff. A postimpact fire consumed the wreckage.

Pilot Information

The left-seat pilot had recently purchased the aircraft. He did not hold a rating for multiengine airplanes, meaning he was not certified to operate such aircraft. The right-seat pilot was a certified flight instructor (CFI) who was properly rated for multiengine operations. The CFI reported a total of 62.5 hours of multiengine flight experience. This included 32 hours of instruction given in multiengine airplanes and 20.3 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Pilot Reports and Investigation

According to the CFI, the left wing "dipped" shortly after the airplane became airborne. He stated that he had no recollection of events after that point. Both pilots noted a left engine failure in the malfunction portion of their official reports. However, a thorough postaccident examination of the aircraft failed to uncover any anomalies that could be determined to have existed prior to the impact. No mechanical deficiencies were found in the wreckage that might have contributed to the reported engine failure.