A couple of months ago, I posted in here about seeing a light twin climbing
out of our local airport with only one prop turning. They were ~200ft when
I saw them and they maintained a straight course and barely climbing as I
watched them go out of site. I never knew what was going on (Misguided
training, Actual emergency, what was it???).....until today:

I talked to someone "in the know". Apparently, what I witnessed was the
final effects of a dipstick (a real one, not the pilot) being put back in a
Piper Aztec the wrong way. I know not of what I speak, but from what I was
told, normally the dipstick will only go in one way. Somehow a ME student
got it back in incorrectly. And the engine promptly ate the dipstick at
rotation.

I don't know why they didn't notice anything during the run-up or even after
startup, but needless to say the engine is in the shop.

Just thought I'd post a follow-up for those of you on the edge of your seat
wondering what was going on. Sounds plausible....I guess.

jf