Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a recently certificated second pilot were conducting a checkout flight when they initiated a simulated forced landing exercise. The maneuver began at approximately 3,500 feet above ground level (agl) when the CFI directed the second pilot, who had about 80 hours of total flying experience, to close the engine's throttle. The pilot complied.
Maneuver Execution
During the descent, the throttle was cleared several times, and the engine speed increased without any issues. As the airplane descended to between 400 and 500 feet agl, full engine power was applied to terminate the simulation. However, immediately after the second pilot applied power, the CFI fully retarded the throttle, indicating his desire to continue the descent to within 20 feet of the ground. The CFI then took control of the airplane.
Impact Sequence
When the airplane reached approximately 15 to 20 feet agl, the CFI increased engine power. There was a momentary delay before engine power was fully reacquired. During this delay, the CFI banked the airplane to the left. During the turn, the airplane's left wing, nose gear, and fuselage impacted the ground hard in desert terrain.
Company Policy
The president of the company operating the airplane reported that company policy required engine-out simulations to be terminated no lower than 500 feet agl. Additionally, the policy stipulated that a suitable field should always be nearby in case of an actual forced landing if engine power is not reacquired during the simulation.