Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-34-200T near Vero Beach, FL — 2010-03-05

Final reportERA10LA162
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Date
2010-03-05
Location
Vero Beach, FL, USA
Airport
VRB
Aircraft
PIPER PA-34-200T
Registration
N103GK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The certified flight instructor's failure to monitor the airspeed while the student performed a single-engine approach.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student had completed several multiengine maneuvers at altitude including single-engine procedures. During the approach, the CFI retarded the left throttle to simulate an engine failure, and the student correctly identified the affected engine. The CFI then set zero thrust on the left engine, and the student continued the approach, utilizing the right engine. On the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the CFI noted that the altitude had dropped to about 500 to 650 feet above ground level and took control of the airplane. He stated that he added power on both engines; however, no increase in power was noted on either engine. The CFI attempted to troubleshoot the problem but, due to the low altitude, he elected to perform a forced landing; the airplane collided with trees and sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airplane and both engines and reports from the CFI did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the CFI allowed the airspeed to decrease below the minimum controllable speed for single-engine operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
CFI should have maintained altitude and speed during approach to avoid loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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