20170731020629A

On July 31, 2017, at approximately 2047 central daylight time (CDT), the airman, a certified flight instructor, whom was providing multiengine flight instruction to a private pilot certificated airman, was involved in an aircraft accident while maneuvering for landing on runway 18 at the Topeka philip Billard airport (ktop), Topeka, Kansas. Pursuant to a witness statement obtained in conjunction with the accident investigation, the airman, and private pilot rated student, whom was receiving flight instruction for the issuance of a multiengine class rating, were operating in the ktop traffic pattern conducting single engine flight operations. In accordance with radar data obtained from Kansas city air route traffic control center, the Piper PA-30 twin commanche aircraft was operating on runway 18 conducting traffic pattern operations. During the final traffic pattern, the aircraft departed runway 18, and pursuant to one witness, was operating in a single engine flight condition; radar data indicates that the aircraft was deviating right of the runway centerline departure leg, and was climbing at a minimal climb rate. The aircraft subsequently turned east, and northbound onto the left downwind leg for runway 18 at approximately 400 feet above ground level, based upon radar data. Based upon radar data provided, the aircraft appeared to overshoot the turn to final; no additional radar data was available. The PA-30 impacted the grassy area immediately west of the runway 18 threshold, and subsequently slid to a stop on an approximate 270 degree heading. A post-accident inspection of the aircraft?s engine and propeller system presented indications that the left engine was producing significant power prior to impact, while the right engine was producing minimal power; propeller on the right engine was not in a feathered condition. Significant ground scarring was present due to the aircraft?s releasing of fuel caused by impact; a post-impact fire did not ensue. A post-impact inspection of the aircraft did not reveal any anomaly that would be construed as contributor to the accident; flight control continuity was established. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; both the certified flight instructor and private pilot rated student were fatally injured.