Trouble Started Following Engine-Out Practice

A simulated engine-out exercise became very real for two pilots in a vintage Beechcraft C-45H two weeks ago, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the resulting accident.

According to the prelim, pilot Stanley Peterson, 64, brought the aircraft's right engine to idle and feathered the prop to simulate engine failure during the instructional flight, when the left engine started running rough.

The crew throttled the right engine back up, but it also ran rough and it soon became clear the aircraft (type shown above) could not maintain level flight.

Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft "at low level about 200 feet and descending. It made a turn to the west, leveled off, then descended sharply. The engines appeared to be 'stopped,'" according to the NTSB.

As ANN reported, the C-45H -- owned by the Commemorative Air Force's American Airport Flying Museum -- clipped trees before impacting the ground, slid about 100 yards, crossed a road and knocked over a power pole. The left engine caught fire on impact.

Peterson was seriously injured in the crash. Co-pilot David Gianakos, 52, received minor injuries.

FMI: Read The Full Preliminary Report