Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced a collision with a power line during the recovery phase of a simulated forced landing. The power line was suspended approximately 25 feet above the ground. The impact caused the top 6 inches of the vertical stabilizer and the corresponding section of the rudder to separate from the airframe.
Flight Crew Actions
Neither the flight instructor nor the pilot receiving instruction reported seeing the power line prior to the collision. After the impact, the pilot who was flying the aircraft noted a loss of rudder effectiveness and communicated this to the instructor. The instructor then assumed control of the aircraft.
Post-Impact Maneuver
The instructor successfully executed a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. Despite the damage to the tail structure, the aircraft was landed without further incident.
Damage Assessment
The damage was limited to the separation of the uppermost portion of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. There is no mention of additional damage to other parts of the aircraft or injuries to the occupants.