Incident Details
A training flight departed with adequate fuel quantity. While flying at 2,000 feet over a grass airstrip, the certified flight instructor (CFI) simulated an engine failure by reducing the throttle to idle. The student pilot performed emergency procedures, including applying carburetor heat, activating the auxiliary fuel pump, and switching the fuel selector to the right tank. The student maneuvered the airplane toward the grass runway and, at the approach end, was advised to go-around.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
During the climb, between 250 and 300 feet, the engine quit. The student moved the fuel selector back to the left tank, and engine power was restored momentarily before the engine quit again. The CFI maneuvered the airplane to a field. After touchdown, with the throttle still applied, the nose landing gear contacted a berm. At that point, engine power was again restored. The nose landing gear then separated, and the airplane came to rest.
Post-Accident Inspection
During recovery, no contaminants were noted in the fuel tanks, and no fuel was found in the gascolator. No obstructions of either fuel tank vent or the fuel delivery system were observed. The auxiliary fuel pump tested within limits. The engine was found to operate normally.