On 11 Nov 2011, a BEECH 58 operated by SKY CASTLE AVIATION LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Connersville, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a practice instrument approach, a safety pilot reduced right engine power to simulate single-engine conditions. After the hood was raised, the pilot flared and reduced left engine power, causing a yaw and a grass touchdown, followed by tree impact.
Accident
A pilot was flying practice instrument approaches in simulated instrument meteorological conditions with a safety pilot on board. During the second approach, the safety pilot reduced the right engine power to simulate single-engine operations. After raising the view-limiting hood, the pilot entered the landing flare and reduced the left engine power to idle. The airplane then yawed approximately 30 degrees to the left and touched down on the grass. The pilot attempted to straighten the aircraft but was unable to do so before it impacted trees.
Findings
The leading edges of both wings sustained substantial damage. The Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage and found no mechanical anomalies or failures that would have occurred prior to the accident.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained