What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of preparing a student pilot seated in the left seat for a commercial flight rating. The maneuver involved a power-off descent from an altitude of 4,000 feet down to 2,000 feet. At this stage, the instructor pilot provided instructions for a simulated forced landing. According to reports, the throttle was opened briefly at an altitude of 1,000 feet and again near 500 feet in an attempt to clear the engine. The simulation continued until the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level. At this point, the throttle was advanced, but the engine did not respond. The instructor pilot took control at about 50 feet above ground level but was unable to restart the engine. With the landing gear down, the instructor decided to skid the aircraft sideways into a plowed field to collapse the gear.
The investigation
Post-impact examination revealed that the engine began to regain power during touchdown but stopped immediately when the propeller contacted the ground. No preimpact mechanical failure was found. Both pilots stated that the engine behavior occurred exactly as described during the final moments of the approach.