Accident Summary
A certificated flight instructor (CFI) was providing flight instruction to a student pilot during civil twilight. The accident occurred while the airplane was approaching an unlighted, snow-covered gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings when the nose landing gear collapsed after touching down in deep snow.
Sequence of Events
According to the CFI, during the approach, he realized the airplane was not aligned with the runway. He instructed the student pilot to execute a go-around, verbally commanding immediate application of full engine power and initiation of the go-around. The student followed the command, but the engine did not respond. The CFI then took control of the airplane and confirmed that the throttle was at its maximum setting. He subsequently landed the airplane in the deep snow adjacent to the runway. As the main wheels and nose wheel made contact with the deep snow, the airplane decelerated rapidly, causing the nose landing gear to collapse.
Postaccident Findings
An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector conducted a postaccident inspection of the airplane. The inspection disclosed a number of maintenance deficiencies. However, none of these deficiencies were found to have accounted for the loss of engine power during the go-around attempt.