Accident Overview
On November 30, 2011, at 1930 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-44-180, registration N2163N, collided with the airport ramp shortly after takeoff and impacted a parked airplane at Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI), Seattle, Washington. The aircraft was operated by Hillsboro Aviation under 14 CFR Part 91 as an instructional flight. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage from impact and a post-crash fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The airplane was en route to Portland-Hillsboro Airport (HIO), Portland, Oregon.
Sequence of Events
The CFI reported that shortly after takeoff, she noticed an uncommanded yaw and took over control from the student. She initiated a straight-ahead landing, lowering the nose and reducing power, but determined that insufficient runway remained. During the subsequent go-around, she lost control of the airplane. The aircraft immediately rolled to the right and struck the ramp inverted.
Investigation Findings
Postaccident examination revealed that the wing section and spar box remained attached, and the empennage was largely undamaged. The forward cabin area sustained partial fire damage. Both engines and mounting assemblies were removed from the wing and exhibited thermal damage. Flight control continuity was established, though the ailerons showed impact damage. The flaps were found in the retracted position. Examination of the fuel system revealed no anomalies. Both left and right engines exhibited thermal discoloration and damage, but no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified that would have prevented normal operation. The CFI stated that the engine did not sputter or run rough and that the uncommanded movement felt like a hard roll rather than a yaw.