What happened
A flight instructor and a student were conducting a practice session involving a simulated power-off forced landing. At approximately 300 feet AGL, the exercise was concluded and the student attempted to apply power for a go-around. However, immediately after the carburetor heat control was moved to the off position, the engine stopped running.
The crew attempted several restart procedures, including switching the carburetor heat back to the on position and moving the fuel selector to an alternative tank, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently performed an emergency landing in a field. During the landing, the aircraft encountered soft and uneven terrain, which caused the nose gear to collapse and the left main gear to separate from the aircraft. Both occupants were not injured.
The investigation
FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the wreckage both at the accident site and after it had been removed. The inspection confirmed that fuel was present in the carburetor and that the fuel selector was set to the left fuel tank. Investigators found that while there was continuity in the fuel system up to the fuel strainer, the fuel strainer was loose and lacked the required safety wire.