What happened
During a training flight at an altitude of 2500 feet, a certified flight instructor deliberately moved the fuel selector switch to the off position. This action was taken specifically to simulate a loss of engine power for instructional purposes. Following the simulated failure, the instructor attempted various procedures to restore engine power but was unsuccessful.
With the engine unable to restart and no alternative landing options available, the pilot made the decision to ditch the aircraft in a nearby lake. Upon impact with the water surface, the airplane flipped violently. The force of the flip caused the aircraft to sink rapidly into the 40 to 60 feet of water. Despite efforts to recover the wreckage, the airplane was not retrieved from the lake.
Findings
The incident highlights the risks associated with simulated engine failures at low altitudes. While the maneuver is a standard training technique, executing it without sufficient altitude or suitable landing terrain can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The violent flip upon water impact suggests that the ditching was not controlled, likely due to the sudden loss of power and the difficulty of maintaining control in a single-engine aircraft during such a critical phase of flight.