Accident Narrative
On June 28, 2019, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft 77, registration N1802Y, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff at Leesburg International Airport (LEE), Leesburg, Florida. The flight instructor and commercial pilot aboard received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to Silver Flyers LLC and operated by Village Flyers Inc under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated at LEE at 1000.
Pilot Statements
The flight instructor stated he was conducting a check-out for the commercial pilot. Both performed a preflight inspection, noting fuel just below the tabs on each wing tank—about 20 gallons. After approximately 30 minutes of air work, they returned to the airport for takeoff and landing practice. The first landing was normal, and the commercial pilot added power for takeoff. When the airplane reached 400 ft above ground, the engine began losing power, and the airplane descended. The flight instructor took control and attempted to turn back toward a taxiway, but the airplane could not reach it and landed in trees and a swamp adjacent to the airport.
The commercial pilot reported that during the touch-and-go, he added power and initiated a climb at 68 knots but felt the climb was unacceptable. He verified the throttle full forward, mixture rich, and fuel boost pump on. The tachometer indicated 2,000 rpm instead of the expected 2,400 rpm. The flight instructor then took control and landed in trees, after which the airplane descended into a shallow swamp. The empennage and both wings sustained substantial damage.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that when the bottom spark plugs were removed, water and mud poured from each cylinder. A lighted borescope inspection showed no mechanical anomalies but did reveal corrosion and mud. The engine was rotated via the propeller flange, and valve train continuity was established on each cylinder. Compression was present on cylinders No. 2 and No. 4 but not on the remaining cylinders. Cylinders No. 1 and No. 3 were removed and found covered in mud and exhibiting corrosion. Both magnetos were rotated with a drill and produced spark to each ignition lead. The oil screen was removed and found free of debris.
Carburetor Heat Considerations
The carburetor icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. CE-09-35 indicated that the airplane was operating in conditions associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at glide and cruise power settings. The flight instructor stated that carburetor heat was not used on landing because applying it caused the engine to run very rough. According to a representative of the operator, the engine occasionally ran rougher than normal when carburetor heat was applied. He had flown the airplane the day before without issues and was uncertain why the roughness occurred intermittently. A mechanic had inspected the carburetor before the accident and found no problems, but a more thorough examination was planned for the next oil change. The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook instructed, for the before landing checklist, "Carburetor Heat - FULL HOT or FULL COLD, AS REQUIRED."
Pilot Information
The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine sea, single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane, as well as a certified flight instructor rating for airplane single-engine. His last FAA Basic Med medical certificate was issued on July 17, 2017. He reported 1,985 total flight hours, 11 of which were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
The commercial pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His last FAA Basic Med medical certificate was issued on May 4, 2017. He reported 627 total flight hours, 2 of which were in the accident airplane make and model.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at LEE at 1023 included wind from 100° at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 84°F, dew point 73°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury.