U-FITAQP: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS

Beechcraft BE-95-B55 | N7345R

Leyden, Massachusetts

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateJanuary 14, 2024
  • Local time11:25 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightManeuvering
  • People on board3
  • Fatalities3
  • AirportKBAF
  • NTSB numberERA24FA088
  • NTSB statusUnder investigation

Accident Location

City, State
Leyden, Massachusetts
Latitude
42.657361
Longitude
-72.600333
Airport ID
KBAF

Aircraft Info

N Number
N7345R
Make
Beechcraft
Model
BE-95-B55
Category / Class
Aircraft Multi Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Hampton, Bill
Gender
Male
Age
68
Certification
Airline Transport Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
2nd Class Medical
Flight school
Yes
Instructional flight
Yes

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Maneuvering
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
3
PIC fatality
1
Passenger fatalities
2
Total fatalities
3
NTSB number
ERA24FA088
NTSB travel
Yes

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be the current FAA requirement to complete the maneuver known as the “Vmc Demonstration” for multi engine check rides. During this required maneuver, the instructor or examiner is required to obstruct the movement of a flight control (rudder) so that the aircraft will lose directional control before it stalls. An inadvertent stall and spin in this condition is not recoverable from any altitude. This aircraft accident is a direct result of this FAA requirement, requiring the intentional interference with flight controls in flight for the purpose of examination.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

The DTSB recommends that the FAA cease to require this demonstration in flight. The multi engine flight training industry suffers as many as 6 similar losses per year in the furtherance of this FAA requirement. The DTSB recommends that students, instructors and examiners refuse to participate in this dangerous and unnecessary “Demo.”

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