N971PA

On November 20, 2003, at 1103 mountain standard time, a Piper PA 44-180, N971PA, veered off the runway during takeoff from the Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Phoenix, Arizona, collapsing the right main landing gear. Pan Am International Flight Academy was operating the flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and one commercial student were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local area flight was originating at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator reported that the CFI and student were departing from runway 7R. During the takeoff roll, the airplane departed the runway to the left and came to rest in a dirt area next to the runway. The nose of the airplane was approximately 180 degrees from its original takeoff heading.

In a written statement, the CFI reported that the purpose of the flight was for the student's intermediate stage check for a multiengine rating. After an uneventful run-up, the student powered up both engines and began the takeoff roll. The left engine sputtered and the airplane veered to the left. At this time, the CFI assumed control of the airplane and retarded both throttles. The airplane departed the runway 60 degrees left of the centerline. It traveled into the dirt and spun to the left, collapsing the right gear, and then the right engine impacted the ground and stopped. The left engine was running at idle. The CFI felt the accident could have been prevented if he had taken control of the airplane sooner. Furthermore, the CFI felt an emergency briefing covering all takeoff roll emergencies would assist in preventing future accidents.

A post accident examination of the left engine by a mechanic and a test run did not reveal any mechanical malfunction that would have resulted in the partial loss of power.