What happened
The accident occurred during a flight training session involving an instructor pilot and a student who was a commercial pilot preparing to renew his instructor's license. The primary objective of the flight was to provide instruction, specifically focusing on emergency procedures.
During the descent phase of the maneuver, the instructor pilot conducted a simulated forced landing. This procedure typically involves cutting the engine to simulate power loss and then attempting to restart it or manage the glide. In this instance, the engine was cleared only once during the descent. When the decision was made to execute a go-around, the throttle was advanced in an attempt to restore power.
However, the engine failed to respond to the throttle input. Without sufficient thrust to maintain altitude or climb, the aircraft continued its descent toward the ground. The pilot attempted to land on unsuitable terrain, which lacked the necessary length and surface conditions for a safe stop. Consequently, the aircraft impacted the ground and nosed over.
The investigation
The physical examination of the aircraft revealed damage consistent with a nose-over impact. The engine's failure to respond during the critical phase of the go-around was a central factor in the outcome. The terrain at the landing site was not suitable for an emergency landing, contributing to the severity of the damage.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the simulated forced landing did not proceed as planned due to the engine's lack of response. The instructor pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain resulted in the nose-over. The limited number of times the engine was cleared during the descent may have contributed to the failure to restart or maintain power when needed.
Safety message
Pilots conducting simulated emergency procedures must ensure that the engine can be reliably restarted and maintained. Adequate planning for the landing site is crucial, even during training exercises, to avoid unsuitable terrain that could lead to severe damage.