Beechcraft BE-76 N3819D

Summary

On 20 February 1999 at about 01:20 local time, a Beechcraft BE-76 registered N3819D, operated by Ari-Ben Aviators, was involved in an accident near Mesquite, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 February 1999 at 01:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Mesquite, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Mesquite Metro (HQZ)

Coordinates

32.7106, -96.7806

Aircraft

Beechcraft BE-76

Registration

N3819D

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Ari-Ben Aviators

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Addison → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

FTW99LA084

1 person had minor injuries.

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the multi-engine rated instrument student during a simulated single engine landing, resulting in loss of control of the airplane. Factors were the dark night light condition, the flight instructor's inadequate communication with the student, and the student's improper use of the throttle control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a night landing with a simulated right engine failure, the multi-engine rated instrument student flared 'higher than normal.' The airspeed decreased to 'approximately 68 knots,' near the airplane's minimum control speed of 65 knots. The flight instructor (CFI) called for the student to add power. The student increased the power to the left engine only. The CFI was unaware that power was applied on only one engine until the airplane went out of control and turned to the right. The CFI attempted to regain control; however, the right wing struck the ground on the right side of the runway. The CFI stated that a breakdown in communication and the time of day were both significant factors. After the student placed both prop controls full forward during final approach, the CFI assumed, but did not verbally confirm, that the student was making a normal approach and landing. He was unable to see that the student was only grasping the left throttle due to the lack of light in the cockpit.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.