Background
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight that included a simulated engine failure approach. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.
Sequence of Events
According to the instructor, while abeam the intended touchdown point, he reduced engine power to idle to simulate an engine failure. The student pilot then maneuvered the airplane toward the runway and extended full flaps (40°), which decreased the airspeed to approximately 62 to 68 knots. The instructor asked the student if he believed the runway could be reached at that airspeed. In response, the student retracted the flaps to 0° and then re-extended them to 25°. The airplane began to sink, and the instructor re-extended full flaps to "regain some lift" while instructing the student to recover. The student pilot placed both hands on the yoke and pitched up. The instructor declared "my controls," applied full power, and attempted to lower the nose, but the student pilot froze and continued to pitch up. After the instructor repeated the command, the student released the yoke and retracted the flaps to 0°. The instructor then set the flaps to 25° and pitched the nose down to recover. During this maneuver, the airplane struck the top of a tree. The instructor reduced power and landed short of the runway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse.
Aftermath
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, based on interviews, the flight instructor took control of the airplane "well below 500 feet from the ground." The inspector also noted that there may have been a communication barrier between the instructor and the student pilot, as the student pilot paused for 20 to 30 seconds to comprehend each question before answering.