Incident Overview
A flight instructor was providing simulated engine failure (SEF) training to a student pilot, involving a left 180-degree turn. During the second SEF, the instructor reduced power, and the student began a left turn from downwind to base. The instructor observed that the student "cut the base leg short" and turned toward the end of the runway.
Sequence of Events
The airplane was approximately 25 degrees left of the runway centerline. The sun was setting, and both pilots failed to see powerline wires in their path. The airplane struck the wires and fell to the ground, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Aircraft Condition
The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any part of the airplane that would have precluded normal flight operations.
Recommendation
As a recommendation, the flight instructor noted that due to calm wind conditions, he should have switched to the reciprocal runway to mitigate the sun's position during landing.