What happened
The aircraft was operating as a training flight destined for Fairmont, West Virginia, with the primary objective of allowing the student pilot to complete a multi-engine flight examination. Shortly after lift-off from runway 18, the certified flight instructor (CFI) initiated a procedure to simulate an engine failure by closing the mixture control on the right engine. This technique was noted by the student as a common practice for such training scenarios.
Following the simulation initiation, the aircraft began yawing to the right. The student pilot responded by applying left rudder and aileron inputs to counteract the yaw. According to the CFI's account, the student momentarily reversed these control inputs, causing the aircraft to roll to the right. The CFI subsequently reduced the pitch attitude and leveled the wings in an attempt to recover control.
Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 200 feet west of runway 18. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft due to a post-impact fire. The student stated that the simulated failure was initiated when the aircraft had reached an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet above ground level.