Posted for "JJ JOHNSON" <JJJOHNSON@ACCESSCOMM.CA>:

Hamid,

     I can't comment in this case[the crash of the V8 powered Duke] as to why
the aircraft didn't make the runway.

     One of the major reason that twins crash [because of 'engine loss'] is
simple not maintaining Vmc Airspeed. [Vmc airspeed is the speed deemed where
the aircraft engine in operation creates more yaw than the aerodynamic
surfaces of the aircraft can compensate. The loss of airspeed in conjunction
w/ high power settings causes the a/c to start a yaw coupled roll which can
lead to a spin type loss of control.] This [loss of airspeed] inconjuction
w/ overweight and ice etc. is what leads to loss of control at low speeds
and generally low altitude[ landing/missed approach]. Pilots who fly in
twins should practice single engine flight regularly however nobody wants to
damage their a/c engine in doing this so its rarely practiced after the
initial flight training. Later when this situation occurs the pilot hasn't
flown single engine in months if not years and therefore looses control at a
crucial time. The only twin aircraft that I know of that isn't affected by
engine out situations is the Boomerang[sp] built by Mr. Rutan [other than
inline twin engine a/c]. It was designed to be in coordinated flight while
flying single engine.

Just the humble ramblings of a twin engine pilot :)  and by no means a total
authority on the subject!

Jarrett Johnson
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