Stall and Nose-Over During Simulated Engine Failure Training

Sequence of Events

According to the flight instructor, he first showed the pilot-under-instruction (PUI) how to handle a simulated engine failure and recovery while at altitude. Afterward, the instructor requested that the PUI carry out the same maneuver. The training occurred over an open field. The instructor permitted the PUI to descend. At around 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the instructor gave a verbal command to "Recover" and to abandon the landing. The PUI did not comply. The instructor then took control of the aircraft when airspeed was approximately 50 knots and altitude was about 100 feet AGL. The airplane entered a stall, hit the ground, and then turned over onto its nose.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

Both wings and the engine mounts sustained substantial damage. The instructor stated that the airplane experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions before the accident that would have prevented normal operation.