Accident Overview
A student pilot and flight instructor were conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 26R. While on the downwind leg, the flight instructor retarded the throttle to simulate an emergency. The student pilot continued flying the airplane. During the landing flare, the airplane began to descend at a faster-than-normal rate. Both pilots attempted to recover, but the airplane struck the ground in a left-wing-low attitude.
Damage
The impact caused the empennage to separate from the fuselage, and all four engine mounts were broken.
Mechanical Condition
According to the operator, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, winds were recorded as 240 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots.