DA42 test flight crew reported they lost directional control after clearing the runway following the loss of the left engine. Reporters stated this aircraft cannot be taxied safely on one engine.
Synopsis
DA42 test flight crew reported they lost directional control after clearing the runway following the loss of the left engine. Reporters stated this aircraft cannot be taxied safely on one engine.
Narrative
Planned a short flight in the pattern with a second instructor on board (Pilot Flying) and myself (pilot monitoring/PIC) after maintenance had been performed on the engines. Performed a normal runup and verified all engine parameters where ok. The plan was for CFI (pilot flying) to fly the plane while I (PIC) monitored the engine instruments for any abnormalities. The takeoff was performed with no issues. Joined downwind and just before turning base; as planned; we brought the right engine to idle. No issues. As planned; at 200 ft AGL; while lined up for the runway; I called a go-around with both engines. Pilot flying applied full power on both engines and flew the go-around while I monitored the engines and again noticed no issues. We came back for a landing on XXL and after exiting the RWY at TWY 1 I began running the after landing checklist while Pilot Flying turned us onto TWY 2 as instructed by the tower. The left engine then came to a stop. Because we had momentum and were maintaining TWY centerline I called tower to let them know we would need to return to the ramp. We were cleared to the ramp via '2>3>Cross RWY XYR @ 4.' With minimal power and momentum we reached TWY 3 and after turning and crossing the RWY Hold Short line we began to loose speed and directional control. Tried to add some power to pick up more speed but the airplane began to turn right harder and we immediately stopped. I attempted to start the left engine holding the starter less than 10 seconds and it did not start.At this point I called tower to let them know we would need to tow the aircraft out of the RWY back to the ramp. I called the school's personnel and they were escorted to the aircraft within 5 minutes and moved the airplane back to our hangar. After the flight both pilots debriefed the entire situation and found we both couldn't notice anything out of the ordinary on the engine instruments that would have led to the engine failure. However we know now that we should have stopped our taxi the moment we lost the engine and called for assistance sooner as it is near impossible to maintain directional control on the ground without an engine.
Second reporter narrative
While performing a maintenance flight for a DA-42; the left engine shut down and was unable to be restarted. The flight crew consisted of two MEI's from the school working as a crew to verify engine operations after maintenance. The engine failure occurred on the ground after a normal start up; run up; and 2 laps in the pattern. After a landing on XXL; our plan was to taxi back for one more lap in the pattern. We exited XXL at 1 with a right turn onto TWY 2; during the turn the left engine failed. We were able to continue taxiing single engine with the momentum we had and the pilot monitoring called tower for a taxi clearance back to the ramp. As our momentum slowed; the aircraft became more difficult to control. Upon a left turn onto TWY 3 and the uphill slow to cross XYR; the aircraft began to pull to the left with no ability to continue controlled taxi. We held position and advised tower we were disabled. The school maintenance staff were able to come tow us back to the hanger.While waiting for maintenance; the pilot monitoring attempted to restart the engine with no success. We then secured the engine and shut down completely.In our debrief; both pilots agreed the best course of action would have been to stop and hold position rather than attempting to continue to the ramp. Neither of us have ever attempted a single engine taxi and did not realize that once we are stopped a single engine taxi is not possible in this aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.