Piper PA30 N22HW accident near Topeka, Kansas

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot and flight instructor to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot had been receiving multiengine instruction from the flight instructor in order to obtain a multiengine rating. The accident flight was a practice checkride for the pilot's practical test that was scheduled for the following day. A witness stated that, during the accident takeoff from runway 18, the airplane passed the airport terminal building at a "very low" altitude and stated that it was not climbing very fast. The airplane then turned left and appeared to enter a normal traffic pattern. The witness did not see the accident occur. The airplane came to rest on airport property west of the threshold of runway 18. Data from an onboard engine monitor indicated that right engine power was reduced about 7 minutes before the end of the data, consistent with simulated single-engine operation. The left engine power was then reduced about 2.5 minutes before the data ended, consistent with simulated dual-engine loss of power; however, data was consistent with power being restored and both engines operating normally for about the final minute of the flight.

The damage to the airplane was consistent with a low-speed impact in a left-wing-low and shallow pitch attitude. The left and right propellers displayed S-shaped bending and leading edge polishing consistent with operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.

Autopsy of the pilot receiving instruction revealed evidence of severe coronary artery disease, which could cause sudden impairment or incapacitation; however, if that occurred, the flight instructor should have been able to successfully complete the flight. Therefore, it is unlikely the pilot's heart disease contributed to the accident. Toxicology of the pilot revealed the presence of an antidepressant, indicating some degree of underlying depression; however, the flight instructor should have been able to compensate if the pilot had slowed responses to checkride scenarios.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17FA297 for the full record.