What happened
A certificated flight instructor was conducting training with a student preparing for a private pilot certificate. During the flight, the instructor simulated an engine power loss by retarding the throttle, prompting the student to perform an approach for landing. Before the aircraft reached the runway, the instructor ended the simulation and instructed the student to apply power and climb.
However, the engine failed to respond immediately to the power application. As a result, the Cessna 150 continued to descend and made heavy contact with the runway. Shortly after the aircraft touched the runway, the engine responded with full power, at which point the instructor decided to abort the landing attempt.
The investigation
Following the incident, an airborne inspection of the landing gear was performed. This inspection revealed that the landing gear would not extend completely. Due to this mechanical issue, the instructor elected to divert to another airport equipped with rescue facilities to perform a controlled gear-up landing.
The aircraft subsequently completed a gear-up landing without further incident, though the airframe sustained structural damage.