What happened
The aircraft was involved in an instructional flight when the certified flight instructor (CFI) initiated a simulated forced landing exercise for a student pilot. During the critical phase of the maneuver, specifically while attempting to execute a go-around, the engine reportedly failed to develop full power, registering only 1800 RPM. Due to the inability to climb away from the ground safely, the CFI made the decision to land in an adjacent field.
The investigation
Following the incident, the engine was examined for mechanical discrepancies. The inspection revealed no abnormalities or faults that could explain the reported power loss. This event marked the third occurrence of a similar nature involving this specific CFI. Notably, subsequent examinations of the engine after each of these three events consistently showed no mechanical issues, suggesting the problem may have been transient or related to operational factors rather than a persistent mechanical failure.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the insufficient engine power during the go-around attempt. The lack of available thrust necessitated an emergency landing in a field instead of continuing the flight. The repeated nature of this issue with no subsequent mechanical findings highlights the importance of monitoring engine performance closely during instructional maneuvers.