Fuselage Damage During Training Flight at Opa Locka Airport (N21427)

Incident Summary

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student were conducting instrument approaches and landings at Opa Locka Airport. During a takeoff, the CFI indicated a simulated engine failure to the student. The student then retarded the throttles and initiated a descent to land.

Sequence of Events

While descending, both the CFI and the student noted a higher than normal descent rate. They corrected by applying back pressure on the control column and adding engine power. After touchdown, the CFI heard an abnormal noise and decided to taxi the airplane to the ramp. Once the airplane was secured, the CFI conducted an inspection and found damage to the fuselage, terminating the flight. The pilots stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the incident.