Accident Details
On August 2, 2020, at approximately 1010 central daylight time, a Piper PA-30, registration N7750Y, was substantially damaged following an accident at Shelby County Airport (EET) in Alabaster, Alabama. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were not injured.
Sequence of Events
The flight instructor reported providing instruction to a commercial pilot for a multiengine rating. The procedures for a simulated short-field takeoff were briefed. The pilot receiving instruction taxied onto runway 16, applied brakes, then applied full power. After an uneventful takeoff roll, the pilot rotated and raised the landing gear selector. The airplane then yawed to the right toward a line of trees. The instructor took the controls and attempted to correct with left rudder and aileron inputs; however, altitude could not be maintained, and the airplane descended to the ground. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest against a fence and trees.
Instructor's Account
In an interview, the flight instructor stated that he did not recall any unusual engine indications or sounds and that there was not time to feather a propeller. After applying rudder and aileron to counter the yaw to the right, the airplane “quit flying.” Following the accident, while securing the airplane, he placed the fuel tank selectors to the OFF positions.
Examination
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage, reporting structural damage to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and empennage. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge examined the wreckage on October 6, 2020, at the wreckage recovery facility. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit controls to the ailerons, rudder, and stabilator. The left and right fuel tank selector handles were in the OFF positions.
Engine and Propeller Examination
Both engines were examined, and no pre-impact anomalies were noted with either engine. Both the left and right propellers exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches.