Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were performing a training flight that included a simulated engine failure after takeoff. The instructor reported that the student had been briefed on the procedure and had previously performed the maneuver with another instructor.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot executed a short field takeoff. After rotation and retraction of the flaps at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the instructor retarded the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure. The instructor then instructed the student to lower the nose of the airplane. The student brought the airplane to a level pitch attitude. The instructor again instructed the student to lower the nose as the airspeed reached about 55 knots, at which point the instructor applied forward pressure to the yoke.
The instructor reported that the sink rate remained high. He then moved the airplane into a flare attitude for landing and applied full throttle. The airplane touched down hard in a slightly tail-low attitude, and the nose wheel struck the runway hard. The instructor continued the landing and taxied without further incident.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and rudder.
Instructor's Recommendation
The flight instructor stated that, as a safety recommendation, the maneuver should be demonstrated by the flight instructor before allowing the student to perform it.