Accident Sequence
According to the flight instructor, the accident occurred during a full-feathered, single-engine practice instrument approach in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot extended the flaps, causing the airspeed to drop approximately 20–30 knots. The pilot then added power to the operating engine, at which point the airplane veered to the left and lost additional altitude, resulting in a stalled condition. The instructor took control, reduced power to idle on the operating engine, and attempted to level the wings. However, the airplane impacted the airport ramp area with excessive vertical speed.
Aircraft Damage
The multi-engine airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, both ailerons, and the fuselage.
Instructor's Report
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Additional Information
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B, 2016) discusses multi-engine landings and spin awareness. Regarding landings, it notes that the final approach should be made with power at a speed no slower than VYSE until short final, and not less than VMC. Some pilots delay full flap extension to short final, which is acceptable with appropriate experience. On spin awareness, the handbook states that a stall must occur first, and a yawing moment is necessary. In multi-engine airplanes, yaw can come from rudder or asymmetrical thrust, making spin awareness critical during VMC demonstrations, stall practice, slow flight, or asymmetrical thrust conditions. Single-engine stalls are not part of multiengine training curricula. For spin avoidance, instructors should monitor airspeed and bank angle during engine failure practice, especially during stalls and slow flight. Forward center-of-gravity positions improve stall and spin avoidance but do not eliminate the hazard.