Incident Overview
During a training flight, a flight instructor was conducting simulated engine failures with a rated pilot who was being checked out in the airplane. According to the student pilot, the instructor pilot took control of the aircraft and performed a hard bank to the right, followed by a roll to the left. The aircraft crossed a fence line at the edge of a clearing while at approximately 200 feet altitude. The rate of descent changed from 500 feet per minute to a 'very large negative number.' Full power was applied when the forced landing maneuver was terminated.
Instructor's Account
The instructor reported that he turned his head to the left to locate the airport. At that moment, he felt a downdraft and then noticed a tree directly ahead. The aircraft subsequently impacted the tree, causing the right fuel cell to rupture. A post-impact fire ensued, consuming the airplane.
Outcome
The accident resulted in the destruction of the aircraft due to the impact and fire.