Piper PA 30 N7750Y accident near Alabaster, Alabama

Probable cause

A loss of control and lack of climb performance shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, resulting in a collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor was providing instruction to a commercial pilot toward a multiengine rating. The pilot receiving instruction taxied onto the runway for a simulated short-field takeoff. Following an uneventful takeoff roll, the pilot receiving instruction rotated and raised the landing gear selector. The airplane then yawed to the right toward a line of trees. The instructor took the controls and attempted to correct with left rudder and aileron inputs; however, altitude could not be maintained, and the airplane descended to the ground. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest against a fence and trees, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilots did not recall any abnormal engine indications or sounds other than the right yaw, and there was insufficient time to feather an engine before the airplane contacted the ground.

Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of a malfunction or anomaly with the flight controls. The propellers on both engines exhibited signatures consistent with power at impact. An examination of both engines revealed no evidence of an anomaly or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the right yaw and lack of climb performance could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA272 for the full record.