Beech 95 B55 (T42A) N55NE accident near Leshara, Nebraska

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control during a practice stall maneuver, which resulted in a spin that continued to ground impact.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot and the designated pilot examiner departed in the multi-engine airplane to conduct an airline transport pilot checkride. Radar data indicated that they proceeded to the practice area and performed two 360° turns. The airplane then slowed, consistent with the pilots' intention of performing a stall. As the airspeed decreased, the airplane entered a rapid descent, and it was observed by a witness as it spun clockwise in a nose-low attitude to ground impact. Impact signatures were consistent with a slightly nose-low, near-flat attitude. Postaccident examination of the engines and airframe did not reveal evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Polishing of the propeller blades from both the left and right propeller assemblies indicated that both engines were likely running at impact; however, the right propeller had more signatures of power when compared to the left propeller.

A performance study revealed that the airplane departed controlled flight about 80 knots, which was the airplane's minimum controllable airspeed with one engine inoperative. It could not be determined if an engine was momentarily inoperative resulting in a loss of control inflight. Both fuel selector valves were found in the auxiliary positions, which according to the operating handbook was for level flight only. It could not be determined if this contributed to the accident sequence. It also possible that an improper stall recovery resulted in an inadvertent spin entry.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16FA282 for the full record.