Incident Description
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated pilot examiner was conducting a checkride for a private pilot seeking a commercial pilot certificate with a multi-engine land rating. Toward the end of the flight, the private pilot had completed single-engine maneuvers, including a simulated single-engine instrument approach to a full-stop landing. The pilot believed the remaining tasks were a short-field landing and an emergency descent.
During the final approach for the short-field landing, the examiner simulated a failure of the right engine. The private pilot feathered the right propeller but suspected that the examiner may have "bumped it out of feather and set it to zero thrust." Shortly after, the pilot realized the airplane would not reach the runway and initiated a go-around. When power was increased on both engines, the airplane began to turn left, and the left propeller speed was observed decreasing.
The examiner then took control of the airplane, reduced power on both engines, and executed a landing in a grass field.
Examination Findings
Post-landing examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The left propeller was found in the feathered position. Both propeller controls were positioned mid-range, with the left propeller control trailing the right propeller control by approximately 1 inch.
Regulatory Context
The FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards include instructions for the applicant to actually feather a propeller, but specify that this procedure should be performed at altitude. All other references in the standards pertain to simulating propeller feathering. Additionally, the standards state: "The examiner is expected to use good judgment in the performance of simulated emergency procedures. The use of the safest means for simulation is expected. Consideration must be given to local conditions, both meteorological and topographical, at the time of the test, as well as the applicant's workload, and the condition of the aircraft used."