Accident Overview
A takeoff accident occurred during a proficiency check flight when the copilot (a dual student) was to perform a simulated single-engine power loss after lift-off. Witnesses observed a normal takeoff until the aircraft became airborne approximately 3,200 feet down the runway. After lift-off, the airplane climbed only about 50 feet and failed to accelerate. The nose pitched up, and the aircraft entered a steep bank near the departure end of the runway, then descended and crashed in wooded terrain in a right-wing-down, nose-high attitude.
Post-Crash Events
A bystander attempted to rescue the pilots but found the door jammed and was unable to break the cabin windows. A fire erupted and engulfed the aircraft. Due to rough terrain, there was a delay in getting fire-fighting equipment to the accident site.
Aircraft Examination
No preimpact mechanical failures were found. The landing gear, flaps, and spoilers were all in the retracted position. For takeoff, the flaps should have been extended to the 8° or 20° position. The stall speeds for the flap configurations were: 104.5 knots at 20°, 109.0 knots at 8°, and 119.5 knots with no flaps.
Flight Crew Information
The captain was an FAA-designated flight examiner and a certified flight instructor (CFI).
Official Probable Cause
The official findings stated that the loss of control occurred in flight during the takeoff initial climb phase. The contributing factors were: the pilot in command (CFI) conducted a simulated emergency procedure; the copilot prematurely raised the flaps; the airspeed was inadequate; an inadvertent stall occurred; and supervision by the pilot in command was inadequate.