Accident
A Beechcraft Hawker BH-125, registration N125E, collided with a parked Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9844U, after the BH-125 lost control during takeoff. The accident occurred after the BH-125 had begun its takeoff roll on runway 13R while the AA-5A was stopped short of the runway after landing. Both aircraft were destroyed by fire.
Aircraft and Crew
The BH-125 was operated on a training flight with a rated student at the controls and an instructor pilot (IP) on board. The AA-5A had landed and was taxiing; its crew was thrown from the aircraft upon impact, and their seatbelts were found unlatched.
Sequence of Events
The BH-125 began its takeoff with a normal power-up and roll. Rotation was described as normal. As pre-briefed, the left throttle was retarded to idle at 110 knots to simulate an engine failure. The instructor pilot reported that lift off appeared normal and directional control was good up to an altitude of 10 to 20 feet. The left wing then started to drop, and the student applied right aileron but did not stop the roll. The instructor pilot began advancing the left throttle but did not take control of the flight controls. The left wing contacted the runway, causing the aircraft to veer left and settle to the ground. Upon impact, both main landing gear mounts failed, a fuel tank ruptured, and a fire started. The BH-125 then slid into the parked AA-5A, and both aircraft burned.
Probable Cause
The official findings list multiple factors contributing to the accident. Occurrence #1 (loss of control in flight during takeoff/initial climb) was attributed to: inadequate supervision by the pilot in command (CFI), crosswind conditions, failure to maintain directional control by the dual student, lack of total experience in type operation by the dual student, inadequate remedial action by the pilot in command (CFI), and overconfidence in the aircraft's ability by the pilot in command (CFI). Occurrence #2 (in-flight collision with terrain/water) was attributed to failure to maintain clearance. Occurrence #3 (on-ground/water collision with object) involved an object—the parked aircraft.