Incident Overview
A local training flight involving an instructor and a pilot conducting a proficiency check ended in a crash landing after a loss of speed and altitude. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were uninjured.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, while climbing to a height of 200 feet, the instructor reduced power on the left engine, feathered the propeller, and raised the flaps. Immediately thereafter, the airplane experienced a loss of speed and height. The instructor took over control and attempted an emergency landing in a field beyond the runway end. The aircraft crash landed in the field and came to rest.
Investigation Findings
Examination following the incident revealed that the starboard propeller was found to be feathered. Subsequent inspection of both propeller feathering systems found no faults.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause, as determined by investigators, is: "It was determined that the starboard propeller was found to be feathered. Later examination revealed no faults in either propeller feathering systems."