Casualties unknown

2006-04-30: Piper PA-44-180 (N449PA) — Dvg Holdings Incorperated — Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ, US

On April 30, 2006, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N449PA) operated by Dvg Holdings Incorperated was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of both pilots to maintain Vmc and directional control during a go-around. Also causal was an inoperative engine caused by flight instructor's failure to ensure that the fuel system was correctly configured for two engine operation by moving the… 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated right engine failure landing, an airplane bounced, yawed, and veered off the runway, collapsing its nose gear after hitting an airport sign. Maintenance later found the right fuel selector off.

Accident Sequence

The airplane veered off the runway during landing and collided with an airport sign. The flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot were inbound on an instrument approach while simulating a right engine failure. Before reaching the missed approach point, the CFI instructed the student to continue the approach visually. About 20 feet from the touchdown point, the CFI gave the student control of both throttles and pulled them to idle.

The sink rate became excessive, and the airplane bounced into the air. The student added power to execute a go-around procedure, but the right engine did not respond. The airplane was below its one engine inoperative minimum controllable airspeed, and it yawed suddenly to the right. The CFI took the controls from the student and reduced the throttle on the left engine to regain control.

The airplane touched down off the runway and struck an airport sign on an adjacent taxiway. The impact caused the airplane's nose gear to collapse. The airplane skidded to a halt on the airport ramp.

Post-Accident Findings

A maintenance technician secured the airplane after the accident and noticed that the left fuel selector was in the on position and the right fuel selector was in the off position. Examination of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in the right fuel line, carburetor, or fuel pump. Maintenance personnel turned the right engine fuel selector valve to the on position. One of them started the engine without difficulty, and they observed no anomalies while they ran the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060603X00679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.