Incident
The aircraft was dispatched from Dade-Collier Airport for a local training flight with one instructor and four pilots under supervision. During the takeoff roll on runway 09/27, the pilot-in-command began rotation when the instructor shut down the left engine to simulate an engine failure. The airplane then rolled to the left, causing the left wing to strike the ground. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed down and struck the runway surface.
Injuries and Damage
The nose gear was torn off, and the aircraft nose and cockpit section were almost destroyed. All five occupants were injured; two of them sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was loss of control during initial climb due to improper operation of flight controls. Contributing factors reported include lack of familiarity with the aircraft, inadequate supervision of flight, simulated conditions, first officer trainee upgrade training flight, and check captain administered simulated left engine failure at liftoff.