History of Flight
On March 30, 2024, at 1320 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-44-180 airplane, N595ND, was involved in an accident at Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR), Fort Pierce, Florida. The airplane was operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor was fatally injured, and the pilot receiving instruction was seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
According to recovered flight data, the airplane departed FPR at 1239:30 and climbed to 5,000 ft mean sea level (msl) to practice single-engine emergency procedures. The pilot receiving instruction reported that they shut down and feathered the right engine during practice. Data showed the right engine parameters consistent with shutdown between 1247 and 1251.
After returning to FPR for a single-engine instrument approach, thrust was reduced on the right engine while the left engine operated normally. The airplane began descending at 1256:47. At 1308:39, both engines were at 2,380 rpm, with fuel flows of 9 and 10.7 gph for the left and right engines, respectively. As the airplane descended on a long approach to runway 10R, the right engine rpm decreased, and the left engine speed increased to about 2,700 rpm.
At 1,000 ft msl, the pilot extended the landing gear and advanced the mixture and propeller levers. At the decision height of 250 ft above ground level, the pilot initiated a missed approach, advancing both throttles, but reported no thrust on either engine. The instructor took control, declared an emergency, and turned toward runway 14. Data showed the right engine at 1,220 rpm and 3.1 gph, and the left engine at 2,670 rpm and 15.8 gph at 1318:09. A brief increase in right engine parameters occurred before data ended. ATC communications revealed the instructor reported being single engine with two souls on board and declared an emergency.
Witnesses observed the airplane in a tight right downwind, attempting to turn toward runway 14, losing altitude, and impacting nose-down into a ramp west of runway 14. Another witness saw the airplane in a slow-speed right bank that appeared to stall, roll inverted, and impact the ground, with engine power sounding normal. ADS-B data confirmed the flight track.
Pilot Information
The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, as well as a flight instructor certificate. She had about 1,395 total flight hours, with 180 hours in the accident make/model. The pilot receiving instruction held a private pilot certificate with single-engine and instrument ratings, with about 224 total hours, including 2.8 hours in the accident make/model.
Airplane Information
The Piper PA-44-180 is a four-seat, multi-engine airplane with two 180-horsepower Lycoming engines featuring counter-rotating propellers. The pilot operating handbook contained a warning against one-engine inoperative go-arounds and stated that the propeller on the inoperative engine must be feathered, landing gear retracted, and flaps retracted for continued flight.
The last annual inspection was completed on March 29, 2024, with total airframe time of 6,980 hours and 196 hours on both engines since overhaul. The inspection was performed by two mechanics and endorsed by the flight school's director of maintenance (DOM).
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest inverted on the tarmac with no postimpact fire. The flaps were retracted, the landing gear extended, and flight control continuity was established. Both wing fuel tanks were breached. The left engine remained attached, but the propeller separated; no mechanical deficiency was found. The right engine separated from the airframe; the propeller was not feathered. The right engine's carburetor throttle plate was fully closed, the throttle arm was fractured, and the serrated mating surfaces between the throttle arm and throttle control lever were not securely mated, with worn and rounded teeth. Examination indicated the throttle control lever had been loose over time, consistent with wear patterns. The DOM acknowledged the damage could cause gear skipping and was unsure how he missed it during inspection, noting maintenance department short-staffing and pressure to complete inspections.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy of the flight instructor determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, ruled an accident. Toxicology testing was negative for all substances. The pilot receiving instruction's postaccident medical records were not obtained.
Additional Information
Title 14 CFR 91.409 specifies inspection requirements for aircraft used in flight instruction. Part 43, Appendix D, paragraph (d)(6) mandates inspection of engine controls for defects, improper travel, and improper safetying. Following the accident, the flight school implemented a Required Inspection Item (RII) maintenance program covering critical systems.