Accident Sequence
A flight instructor and a pilot under instruction were conducting a simulated instrument approach in a multi-engine airplane under visual flight rules. The pilot under instruction wore a view limiting device. The instructor turned the left engine fuel selector to the off position to simulate an engine failure. The pilot under instruction initiated the left engine failure procedure, placing the engine and propeller levers in a simulated feathered zero thrust configuration.
While distracted by traffic, the instructor failed to return the left engine fuel selector to the on position. With full flaps extended and landing gear deployed, the instructor terminated the simulated approach at about 250 feet above ground level and instructed the pilot under instruction to land visually. Airspeed decreased below safe limits, prompting the instructor to tell the pilot to increase airspeed. The pilot increased power on both engines, but no power increase occurred on the left engine, causing the airplane to roll approximately 45° to the left.
The instructor took control of the aircraft and applied right aileron and right rudder. Despite these inputs, the airplane touched down in a level attitude in a shallow lagoon located on the left side of the runway.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage bulkheads.
Additional Information
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.