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June 7, 2010, Edenton, N.C., Beech 60 Duke

At 1933 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries; the flight instructor was killed. Visual conditions existed for the instrument proficiency check.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane crashed shortly after takeoff during an instrument proficiency check, resulting in the death of the flight instructor and serious injuries to the commercial pilot.
  • The accident occurred when the flight instructor, who was controlling the throttles, unexpectedly retarded the left throttle at about 200 feet AGL after liftoff.
  • Despite the pilot's attempts to add power and correct the veering, the flight instructor maintained control of the throttles, preventing the pilot from regaining power balance before impacting trees and terrain.
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At 1933 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries; the flight instructor was killed. Visual conditions existed for the instrument proficiency check.

After two hours of ground and flight instruction, the pilot began a takeoff while the flight instructor controlled the throttles. After liftoff, at about 200 feet agl, the flight instructor retarded the left throttle. The airplane began to veer to the left and the pilot reached for the left throttle to add power; however, the flight instructors hands remained on the throttles. The pilot recalled a visible split in the throttle positions. The airplane continued to roll to the left but the pilot was able to level the wings just prior to impacting trees. After ground impact, the airplane caught fire.

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