What happened
A pre-solo student pilot and their certified flight instructor (CFI) were conducting landing practice operations. During a climbout phase at an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 feet, the CFI reduced power to simulate an engine failure scenario. The pair then discussed the appropriate procedures for handling a lost power situation during takeoff.
Following this discussion, the student pilot executed a steep 180-degree turn directed toward the airport. This maneuver caused the aircraft to stall. The CFI attempted to take control of the aircraft but was unable to recover it before ground impact. Upon impact, the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the simulated emergency procedure. The primary finding was that the steep turn executed by the student pilot at low altitude and airspeed resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The inability to recover prior to impact indicates a critical loss of lift and control authority due to the excessive angle of attack.
Findings
The accident occurred during a training exercise involving a simulated engine failure. The key factors contributing to the incident include:
- The execution of a steep 180-degree turn at low altitude
- The resulting aerodynamic stall
- The inability to recover from the stall before ground contact
The nosedown impact suggests significant forward momentum combined with a loss of lift, exacerbating the damage to the aircraft structure.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate airspeed and avoiding steep turns at low altitudes during training exercises. Simulated emergency procedures must be conducted with careful attention to energy management to prevent stalls.