Twin Takeoffs

Departing from a 4200-foot runway, the twin engine Beech B60 Duke lifted off after a 1500-foot takeoff roll. The landing gear was immediately retracted but at approximately 100 feet agl, a large puff of black smoke erupted from the left engine. Witnesses stated the airplane pitched up and then banked sharply to the left. At approximately 500 feet agl, the airplane banked 90 degrees to the left in a nose-down attitude, rolled inverted and impacted a building, killing the pilot and passengers. It was a classic VMC rollover accident, resulting from the pilot’s failure to establish and maintain an airspeed equal to or greater than the airplane’s minimum controllable airspeed in one engine inoperative (OEI) flight.

Key Takeaways:

• The Beech Duke accident, a classic VMC rollover, resulted from the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above the minimum controllable speed (VMC) and incorrect control inputs after an engine failure during takeoff climb.
• Safe multi-engine flight with one engine inoperative (OEI) requires precise control, including understanding VMC and VYSE (best single-engine rate of climb speed), using appropriate rudder and aileron, and banking 2-3 degrees towards the operating engine.
• Maximizing OEI climb performance involves minimizing drag (retracting gear/flaps, feathering the inoperative prop) and prioritizing critical decisions, such as opting for a controlled straight-ahead landing even with potential airframe damage, over attempting to salvage a bad situation.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.