Incident Overview
During a routine check flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was evaluating a private pilot. Before departure, the pilot was briefed to expect a simulated engine failure. After completing airwork, the engine power loss was simulated. The CFI noted that the pilot selected an 'excellent' field but did not use flaps and overshot it. The CFI then advised the pilot to perform a 180-degree turn to the left, which the pilot executed with the flaps extended. Subsequently, recognizing that the pilot could land in the field, the CFI advised the pilot to go around.
Pilot and CFI Accounts
The pilot stated that the CFI did not advise him to go around and that he applied power after descending too low to continue the simulation. Approximately two seconds after applying full power, the aircraft impacted terrain. The CFI reported that the last thing he recalled was the airplane at 50 feet above ground level with wings level.
Examination Findings
Examination of the accident site by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the airplane impacted the field first with the left wing tip, followed by the nose, right wing, and then the empennage. Inspection of the flight controls found no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The engine was removed, placed on a test stand, started, and found to operate normally.
Conclusion
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.