12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Beechcraft BE-95-B55 | N7345R

January 14th, 2024 | Leyden, Massachusetts

Accident Location

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

Aircraft Info

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

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Hampton, Bill
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 68
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: Yes
  • Instructional Flight: Yes
  • Pilot Certification: Airline Transport Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: January 14th, 2024
  • Time: 11:25 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA088
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Probable Cause

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

Recommendation

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.”

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.