I spoke a while ago to a friend who had a Baron (I think a B58) - he
eventually sold it looking to get a pressurized one - but that is
another story.

He was trained very well - and went for flights with many CFIs who just
wanted twin time and with other pilots in their Barons. Without fail he
had horror stories of those pilots and CFIs.

No checklists, not caring about vmc, no callouts, nothing. It is no
wonder people kill themselves - the training and checkrides are a joke.

Same goes for the instrument checkride around here.

Sad to hear, but it is a lesson for the rest of us. Be prepared and train.

Orval Fairbairn wrote:
We lost a friend yesterday in a Baron C55. He lost the left engine on
takeoff, apparently stalled, went inverted and lawn darted into the
ground, through a small grove of trees.

According to reliable sources, the gear was down an locked, flaps in
takeoff position and fuel selectors on "Aux".

Fortunately, he was the only one aboard.

Condolences to the family.