What happened
A certificated flight instructor was conducting flight instruction for a private pilot trainee in a multi-engine airplane. During the session, the instructor reduced power on the right engine to simulate an engine failure and instructed the student to perform a single-engine emergency landing at the nearest airport.
While on approach to the runway, the aircraft passed through approximately 100 feet above ground level when the approach became unstable. The instructor directed the student to discontinue the approach and execute a go-around. Upon application of full power to both engines, the pilots reported that the right engine failed to produce its rated power, causing the airplane to veer sharply to the right. The instructor took control of the aircraft and reduced power on the left engine in an attempt to correct the directional deviation. However, as the aircraft neared the departure end of the runway, it descended and collided with grass-covered terrain. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage, and there were no injuries.
The investigation
Post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies prior to the event. The right engine was removed for further examination and placed on an engine test stand. During extended operation at various power settings, the engine functioned without incident and successfully produced its maximum rated RPM.