Accident Details
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a simulated emergency power-off forced landing when the airplane's left main landing gear contacted an unmarked guide wire. The instructor, who had accumulated 6,130 total flight hours, stated that while on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at about 600 feet above ground level (agl), he applied engine carburetor heat, reduced engine power to idle, and asked the 156-hour student pilot to perform the simulated forced landing.
Sequence of Events
As the two-seat airplane descended, the instructor requested control of the aircraft to demonstrate a secondary field for landing to the student. During this demonstration, the left main landing gear struck an unmarked static transmission wire, causing a loss of control and an uncontrolled descent. The airplane then impacted the ground with the outboard section of the right wing and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Circumstances
There was no post-impact fire, and both occupants were able to exit the airplane without assistance. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane prior to the accident. The wire struck was unmarked.