Flight Review Scenario
The flight was conducted to complete a flight review for a commercial-rated pilot occupying the left seat, with a flight instructor in the right seat. After takeoff, at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the flight instructor reduced the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure. The instructor anticipated that the pilot would execute a gradual right turn to land midfield on an intersecting runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot did not respond as expected to the simulated failure. The flight instructor then assumed control of the airplane, initiated a right turn, and lowered the nose. Around the same time, the pilot, perceiving that the airplane was too low, advanced the throttle fully forward. The airplane subsequently shuddered and experienced an aerodynamic stall before impacting the ground.
Postimpact Fire and Damage
Following the impact, a fire occurred under the engine cowling. The passenger extinguished the fire using the onboard fire extinguisher. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Examination of the propeller revealed curling and chordwise scratches on the blades. Additionally, the engine monitor indicated that the engine was turning at 2,625 revolutions per minute at the time of the accident, consistent with the engine producing high power.