What happened
A student pilot was returning to the airport to perform several landing maneuvers, including a simulated engine-out approach and landing. The flight was being conducted in preparation for the student's single-engine land private pilot examination.
During the practice maneuver, the Cessna (type not specified in source) wing struck the ground while turning toward the runway. A witness observed the aircraft descending to an altitude of 500 feet or less, at which point the airplane entered a left turn with a bank angle between 60 and 80 degrees. The aircraft appeared to stall, resulting in the left wing impacting the ground. The witness noted that there were no audible changes in engine power during the descent.
The flight instructor reported that while the turn initially appeared to be a normal standard rate turn, it suddenly became very steep. The instructor had previously advised the student that power could be added back if the aircraft became too low during the simulated engine-out procedure. There were no injuries reported in this incident.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no structural or mechanical anomalies.