DPE Took Control Of The Airplane, And He Selected An Area Of Dirt-Covered Terrain As A Forced Landing Site

Location: Kapolei, HI Accident Number: ANC24LA005
Date & Time: December 4, 2023, 12:50 Local Registration: N691YW
Aircraft: Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA40 Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On December 4, 2023, about 1250 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a Diamond DA-40 airplane, N691YW sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Kapolei, Hawaii. The two pilots sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 pilot evaluation flight test.

According to the pilot that was being evaluated, who was seated in the left seat, the purpose of the flight was to obtain an instrument proficiency check flight from a Federal Aviation Administration designated pilot examiner (DPE) who was seated in the right seat. The pilot said that before departing, a predeparture engine run-up was completed with no anomalies. 

They then departed from the Danial K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL) Honolulu, Hawaii at about 1235. After departure, they leveled off at 1,500 ft MSL and proceeded to the practice area to begin the pilot’s instrument evaluation. 

The pilot said he configured the airplane for the first maneuver, but as he moved the throttle control lever forward, he heard a “pop” sound come from the engine, followed by a rumbling noise and vibration. He stated that he reduced the throttle to its original position, and the rumbling and vibrations subsided. He then turned the airplane in anticipation for a straight-in emergency landing for runway 11 at the Kalaeloa Airport (PHJR). Both pilots scanned the
ignition, control levers, fuel selector, and multi-function display. The pilot confirmed that the mixture control lever was full forward, the propeller control lever was full-forward, and the throttle control lever was in a position that was about 3/4 of the way to being full forward. The ignition was positioned on "BOTH", the fuel selector was positioned directly over the right tank, and the multi-function display showed no discrepancies in engine instrument readings that would indicate a need for immediate corrective action.

As engine power began to decay and the airplane started to descend, the pilot increased the throttle lever to the full forward position, but it continued to run rough and lose power. Realizing that the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport, the DPE took control of the airplane, and he selected an area of dirt-covered terrain as a forced landing site. 

During the forced landing, the airplane struck a 10-foot-high dirt embankment, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A post-accident examination of the engine and propeller is pending.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov