1 Apr 2020: Diamond DA42 NG — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Inc

1 Apr 2020: Diamond DA42 NG — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Inc

No fatalities • Palm Coast, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airplane control during a simulated engine failure landing and subsequent attempted go-around in gusting crosswind conditions and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The flight instructor of the multi-engine airplane reported that, the student pilot was practicing a simulated in-flight engine failure to a landing. The left engine's was set to about 12% power, simulating a feathered propeller engine failure. While on finial approach to land, the airplane started to drift to the right of the runway, and the student pilot reported that he was having difficulty controlling the airplane during the single engine approach due to the strong wind that prevailed. The instructor reported that he told the student to use more left rudder, but the airplane continued to drift right. The student decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around by advancing both engines to full power. During the go-around, the airplane drifted to left, the instructor took the flight controls and applied full right rudder. The airplane continued drifting to the left, descended, impacted vegetation, and the landing gear collapsed. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and empennage.

At the time of the accident a wind from 40 degrees right of the runway centerline at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots prevailed. The calculated crosswind component was from the right at between 6 and 10 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Student/instructed pilot
  • cause Instructor/check pilot
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation
  • cause Effect on operation
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 330/10kt, vis 10sm

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