Incident Summary
During a touch-and-go maneuver in a training aircraft, the dual student rapidly added power. The left engine then sputtered, causing the aircraft to swerve left. The instructor took control but noted resistance from the student on the controls. The instructor reduced power on both engines and then reapplied power; at that point, both engines responded normally. However, the left wing subsequently struck trees located approximately 90 feet to the left of the runway.
Sequence of Events
The event began as the aircraft was performing a touch-and-go landing. The student pilot added power abruptly, leading to a sputtering left engine. This asymmetric thrust caused the aircraft to veer left. The certified flight instructor (CFI) attempted to regain control but encountered resistance from the student's inputs. After reducing and reapplying power, both engine functions were restored. Despite the regained power, the aircraft's left wing contacted scrub trees to the left of the runway.
Probable Cause and Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause was a non-mechanical partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to the student's improper use of the throttle or power controls. Additional findings include the student's failure to maintain directional control, an inadvertent ground loop or swerve, and the student not relinquishing control to the instructor. The CFI was cited for inadequate supervision. The ground collision involved trees.