Four-Pilot Training Flight Ends in Desert Belly Landing After Dual Engine Failure (N208PA)

Incident Overview and Emergency Landing Details A crew of four pilots departed San Diego Airport on a training mission. During the flight, the crew simulated stall conditions when both engines failed to respond. Shortly after, both engines caught fire, prompting the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft belly landed approximately 8.8 miles east of Borrego Springs and came to rest in flames in a desert area. All four crew members escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed. ## Official Findings and Contributing Factors The official investigation determined that the probable cause was double engine failure in flight due to inadequate maintenance and inspection and failure of the propeller system. The report also identified several contributing factors, including improper operation of the powerplant, inadequate supervision of the flight, excessive temperature, failure of both engines, fire on both engines, and an inoperative hi stop hub connecting switch.