Incident Summary
A private pilot check ride involving a student pilot and a pilot examiner was underway when the student was simulating an engine-out emergency landing to an open field. Full flaps had been extended when the field was deemed attainable. The examiner stated that he called for a go-around when the aircraft was about 100 feet above ground level (AGL).
Sequence of Events
The student pilot reported that when the go-around was called, he reached over to push in the throttle. However, the examiner's hand was still on the throttle control. As a result, the throttle was only pushed in about halfway. The student felt the power engage and then reached over to retract two notches of flaps. The aircraft subsequently entered a pronounced sink rate. It touched down, became airborne for a short distance, then nosed down and collided with up-sloping terrain.
No Mechanical Issues
Neither the student pilot nor the examiner reported any mechanical failures or malfunctions during the event.
Examiner's Account
In a written statement, the examiner said that from the time he realized they were going to impact the terrain until the aircraft came to rest, he did nothing to assist the student pilot. He found it odd that he did not attempt to help. The examiner felt that the student had been executing the go-around procedures properly.