N9267W

On September 28, 1998, at 1835 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-34-220T, N9267W, registered to Western Michigan University of Battle Creek, Michigan, sustained substantial damage during an aborted landing attempt at Marshall, Michigan. The instructor pilot stated that when the student applied power in an attempt to abort the landing, one engine did not respond and directional control was lost. Neither the commercial rated instructor or private rated student reported injuries. The dual instructional 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Battle Creek, at 1755.

Both the instructor pilot and dual student said in their written statements that on the attempt to abort the landing the airplane yawed and rolled to the right. The instructor took over control from the student, raised the flaps and landing gear; however, said that he was unable to regain control and establish a climb. When he realized that continued flight was not possible, he reduced the power, after which the airplane impacted the terrain.

In the pilot-in-command (CFI)'s written statement he indicated total experience in this make and model airplane of 24 hours, with 15 hours pilot-in-command and no previous dual given. He also listed no previous dual given in multi-engine airplanes prior to the accident flight..

Subsequent to the accident an inspection failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies in the engines or airframe.