What happened
The incident involved a flight training exercise where a certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a demonstration of a forced landing procedure. This maneuver was performed to simulate the loss of engine power during flight.
During the descent phase of the simulated emergency, the aircraft approached the ground. Just as the CFI initiated the recovery sequence to climb back to altitude, the student pilot in the right seat identified overhead wires in the flight path. The student immediately alerted the instructor by yelling a warning.
In response to this visual cue and the proximity of the hazard, the crew executed an immediate recovery maneuver. The aircraft was recovered at an altitude of 500 feet above ground level. This action adhered to company policy which mandated that such recoveries from simulated engine failures must be completed no lower than 500 feet AGL to ensure safety margins.
The student pilot had received only two hours of flight training prior to this specific flight, indicating a very early stage in their aviation career. The demonstration was intended to provide practical experience with emergency procedures despite the limited total time in the aircraft.