Incident Overview
A training flight involving a student pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) ended with an off-runway landing after a series of simulated engine failures. The CFI first simulated a left engine failure during the landing approach by retarding the left throttle. After landing, the throttles were advanced for takeoff. At 85 mph, the CFI simulated a right engine failure by moving the mixture to the idle cutoff position.
Student Response and Climb
The student responded by closing both throttles to land straight ahead. Subsequently, the mixtures and throttles were reportedly advanced, and the aircraft climbed to approximately 100 feet at 100 mph.
Witness Observations
A witness reported seeing the aircraft with the right wing high, drifting left, and then suddenly the wings leveled and the nose dropped toward the ground, leading to ground contact.
Instructor's Account
The CFI stated that he took control at 85 mph as the aircraft turned left. He rolled both wings level, closed both throttles, and landed off the runway. The landing gear was retracting at the moment of touchdown. The CFI expressed his belief that the left engine may have loaded up and failed to respond during the final takeoff.