Mickg0105
I have read the VH-AAV cover to cover, studied it, and used it as a training guide.
You are correct, he did retract the gear, but late, he did not retract the flap till his IAS was approx 95k, putting him 26K below blue speed, (his blue speed flap out was 106k), he eventually feathered the propeller very late, in ground effect, and ATC evidence was that he was so low he was leaving a wake in the water. He then zoom climbed to clear the rock wall and VMC took over.
He made, I think 3 separate hand held mic calls.
IMHO, his only option, once in ground effect, having put himself so far behind the drag curve, was to ditch straight ahead. Pulling up, doomed everyone.
Ironicly, the failed engine pumped through the water in the fuel, and reignited, and was at stable idle at impact, a fact that initially confounded the investigators, and further evidence that the PIC did not complete his drills correctly, ie failing to secure the dead engine.
I say again with great conviction VH-AAV was a text book case of exactly what not to do with an EFATO.
Cheers Gazumped