No fatalities

5 Nov 2013: BEECH E 55 — TUG AVIATION INC — Blountville, TN

Blountville, TN, United States

On 5 Nov 2013, a BEECH E 55 operated by TUG AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Blountville, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed reaction and loss of directional control while performing a simulated engine failure during the takeoff roll. A factor in the accident was the CFI's delayed reaction to the loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a proficiency check, a simulated engine failure caused the airplane to veer off the runway. The pilot attempted a ground loop to avoid an antenna but struck it, resulting in substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Overview

A flight instructor and a pilot were conducting a proficiency check required by the pilot's insurance carrier when the accident occurred. The maneuver involved a simulated engine failure during the takeoff roll. According to reports from both the pilot and the certificated flight instructor (CFI), the CFI retarded the power on one engine, causing the airplane to veer to the right. The airplane subsequently exited the edge of the runway.

Pilot and Instructor Accounts

The pilot stated that after the CFI reduced power on an engine, he attempted to ground loop the airplane to avoid an antenna directly in their path. The CFI reported that the pilot was delayed in retarding the power. In response, the CFI retarded both mixtures in an effort to stop the airplane. Despite these efforts, the airplane impacted the antenna, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Aircraft and Operational Details

The CFI reported no abnormalities with the airplane prior to the accident. No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or weather conditions were provided in the source.

Damage Assessment

The impact with the antenna caused substantial damage to the fuselage of the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Instructor/check pilotContributed to outcome