Incident Summary
During a training flight, a student pilot was practicing a simulated engine failure procedure. In the process, the student inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the off position. The instructor and student conducted a forced landing in a rough field. During the landing, the aircraft struck a yucca plant, causing the landing gear to collapse.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage from the rough field landing, specifically the collapse of the landing gear following contact with a yucca plant. No other damage was reported.
Investigation Findings
The certified flight instructor (CFI) later examined the fuel selector and discovered that the spring-loaded safety stop, which normally prevents the selector handle from moving past the off position without depressing the stop, was broken. The stop appeared normal externally but was fractured in a way that allowed the handle to pass over the stop without requiring the stop to be depressed. Additionally, the CFI noted that the student pilot's leg obstructed the instructor's view of the fuel selector switch during the maneuver.