Incident Summary
A flight instructor and a commercial pilot-rated student were conducting a training flight when the instructor directed the student to simulate a power-off emergency landing with a 180-degree turn to the runway. The student was instructed to lower the landing gear only when landing was assured.
Details of the Maneuver
After initiating the power-off approach, the student turned the airplane from the downwind leg onto the base leg of the traffic pattern and extended the landing gear. Subsequently, the sink rate increased. The student attempted to correct the descent by applying full engine power, but the descent continued. The airplane landed short of the runway and struck a ground lighting system. Following the impact, the student initiated a go-around and landed without further incident.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact with the ground lighting system.
Weather Conditions
According to the automated weather observation station located at the airport, around the time of the accident the wind was from 080 degrees at 8 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 09.
The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.