Incident Overview
A training airplane collided with corn and the terrain during a simulated forced landing exercise. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were on board. According to the CFI's report, the flight was at 4,500 feet mean sea level when a simulated loss of engine power was initiated. The aircraft established best glide speed and proceeded toward a selected field.
Go-Around Attempt
When the airplane descended to approximately 50 feet above the ground, the CFI instructed the student to execute a go-around. The student hesitated in adding power. When power was eventually applied, the CFI noted that the engine did not sound like it was producing full power. The CFI stated he verbally emphasized "full power" and attempted to place his hand on the throttle, but the student's hand remained on it. The CFI then pushed the student's hand forward while simultaneously reducing flaps to 20 degrees. He also increased the pitch attitude of the airplane. However, by that time, the aircraft was only 10 to 15 feet above the ground.
Collision
Before a positive rate of climb could be established, the landing gear contacted the corn, and the airplane was pulled into the field, colliding with the terrain. The student pilot confirmed that he hesitated when instructed to add full power.
Regulatory Context
The incident occurred in relation to Title 14 CFR Part 91.119, which specifies minimum safe altitudes. The regulation states that except when necessary for takeoff and landing, no person may operate an aircraft below altitudes that allow, in case of engine failure, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. Over other than congested areas, the minimum altitude is 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas where the aircraft must not be closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.