N374JW

Substantial
Minor

Commander 114S/N: 14595

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 22, 2020
NTSB Number
CEN20CA100
Location
Coldwater, MI
Event ID
20200224X11916
Coordinates
41.936943, -85.046669
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor’s inadequate communication with the pilot under review about his intention to simulate a single-engine failure and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack when the pilot did not respond as expected, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N374JW
Make
COMMANDER
Serial Number
14595
Engine Type
None
Year Built
1993
Model / ICAO
114HERN
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
10895 GRANDVIEW DR
STE 150 BLDG 24
Status
Deregistered
City
OVERLAND PARK
State / Zip Code
KS 66210-1511
Country
United States

Analysis

The purpose of the flight was to complete a flight review for the commercial rated pilot in the left seat with the flight instructor in the right seat. After takeoff and about 300 ft agl, the flight instructor reduced the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure. The flight instructor expected the pilot to make a gradual right turn to land mid-field on the intersecting runway. The pilot did not respond as expected so the flight instructor assumed control, made a right turn, and lowered the airplane's nose. About the same time the pilot thought they were too low and advanced the throttle full forward. They felt the airplane shudder and experienced an aerodynamic stall before it impacted the ground. A postimpact fire ensure under the engine cowling that was extinguished by the passenger using the onboard fire extinguisher. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Examination of the propeller noted curling and chordwise scratches on the blades. Additionally, the engine monitor indicated the engine was turning at 2,625 rpm at the time of the accident, consistent with the engine producing high power.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA100