What happened
During a scheduled training mission from Prestwick Airport to East Midlands Airport, the crew performed a simulated engine failure procedure during the initial climb phase. Following the commencement of the engine failure simulation, the aircraft type entered a high angle of attack while the landing gear remained extended.
Approximately ten seconds after departing the runway, the crew was engaged in identifying the simulated failed engine. During this period, the instructor noted that the landing gear had not been retracted. As the aircraft's airspeed decreased, the stall warning became active. Although the pilot regained control of the aircraft within two seconds and applied increased power, the plane experienced a right-hand roll and impacted the ground in an inverted position. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft maintained a high angle of attack with the landing gear in the down position during the climb.
- The crew's focus on identifying the simulated engine failure delayed the retraction of the landing gear.
- The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequently rolled to the right before crashing.