Accident Overview
A proficiency check flight conducted in a regional jet resulted in a loss of control and ground impact. The pilot-in-command (PIC) was administering the check to the first officer (FO), who had accumulated a total of 15 hours in the type aircraft in the preceding 90 days.
Sequence of Events
One of the required check items involved simulating an engine failure at V1 speed. During the takeoff roll, with the FO at the controls, the PIC retarded the left engine throttle to idle when V1 was attained. The FO called out "check max thrust" and then "positive rate gear up." As the PIC reached for the gear lever, he observed the airplane rolling to the left at a rate he considered excessive and dangerous. He then reached for the flight controls and felt the left rudder pedal go fully to the floor. Taking control, the PIC applied full right rudder and right aileron. The airplane began recovering from the bank but impacted the ground.
Flight recorder data indicated that the time from throttle reduction to ground impact was approximately 8 seconds. The airplane became airborne about 2 seconds after the throttle was retarded and reached a left bank of 71 degrees within 6 seconds of the throttle reduction. Ground scars and wreckage distribution showed that the left wing contacted the ground first, followed by the right wing, before the airplane came to rest.
Examination Findings
Examinations of the airframe, engines, and flight control system revealed no anomalies that could have contributed to the accident. Company flight training policy stated that all check airmen should be prepared to take control of the airplane during such training maneuvers.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the first officer's improper use of the rudder when given a simulated engine failure on takeoff and the pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control. A contributing factor was the first officer's lack of experience in the regional jet airplane.