Incident Overview
A training flight aimed at preparing two first officers for a captain upgrade encountered difficulties when the instructor pilot disabled the student's attitude indicator. The student struggled to maintain control of the aircraft. During a simulated instrument approach, while in the procedure turn, the instructor additionally simulated an engine failure. The student, experiencing disorientation, requested the instructor to take control; however, the instructor declined.
Instructor's Actions
The investigation revealed that the instructor routinely turned his own flight instrument lights to the 'DIM' position when the student was flying, to prevent the student from observing the operable attitude indicator. Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the instructor's light rheostat was in the DIM position.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred over the ocean on a moonless night, providing minimal external visual references.
Operational Oversight
Neither the operator nor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were aware that this instructor was using Block Island for training purposes, nor were they informed of the training methods being employed.