Event ERA25LA333

Factual narrative

On September 3, 2025, about 1135 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-44-180, N477BG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bowling Green, Ohio. The private pilot and the designated pilot examiner (DPE) received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the private pilot, who was undergoing a checkride for a private pilot airplane multi-engine land rating, the flight departed from Wood County Airport (1G0), Bowling Green, Ohio, without any anomalies. During the checkride, the pilot reported that while at altitude, the right engine was manually shut down to perform single-engine operations. After completing the single-engine maneuvers at altitude, the private pilot reported that the DPE initiated the procedure to restart the engine. The DPE then stated that he believed the engine had restarted because of the increase in manifold pressure indicated on the engine instrument gauges. Both pilots reported that the right engine was not brought back up to full power to ensure the engine was capable of normal operation after the in-flight shutdown. The private pilot reported that they continued the checkride and began an approach back to 1G0 while the DPE controlled the right engine to simulate single engine operations. The private pilot asked the DPE if, in the event of a go-around, he would be able to use both engines, and the DPE confirmed that he could use both engines for a go-around. While on final approach to land at 1G0, the private pilot reported that his approach was unstable and that he decided to execute a go-around. The private pilot advanced both throttles to full power; however, only the left engine responded, and the airplane yawed to the right. The DPE then took control of the airplane, where he reported that he retracted the landing gear and flaps, and then feathered the right propeller. The DPE stated that the airplane was unable to climb, and it continued to descend. The DPE turned the airplane to the right toward a field, and during the turn, the airplane impacted the field. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The wreckage was retained for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12