Accident Overview
On September 10, 2021, at approximately 1100 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane, registration N2099J, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during an emergency landing near LaSalle, Colorado. The flight instructor and student pilot aboard sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Broomfield, Colorado, as a pre-solo cross-country progress check. After 40 minutes of flight, the flight instructor directed the student pilot to perform a touch-and-go landing at Greeley-Weld County Airport (GXY) in Greeley, Colorado, and then navigate back to BJC. Following the touch-and-go, while cruising at 7,500 ft mean sea level, the flight instructor initiated a simulated high oil pressure and high temperature scenario. The student pilot responded by initiating a return to GXY.
During the return, the flight instructor reduced engine power to 2,000 rpm and informed the student pilot of a simulated engine fire. The student pilot reduced power to idle and began a descent. After the instructor announced the simulated fire was out, the student pilot established a glide and selected a location for a simulated off-field emergency landing.
Emergency and Landing
When the airplane reached about 1,000 ft above ground level, the flight instructor determined the student pilot would safely reach the intended landing location. The instructor then instructed the student pilot to apply power and commence a go-around. When the student pilot applied power, the engine did not respond. The flight instructor took control and attempted to restart the engine unsuccessfully. He declared an emergency and performed a 180° power-off turn to an alternative landing location. During the landing, the airplane contacted a raised embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Examination
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no preaccident failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Engine examination showed continuity, both magnetos produced spark, and fuel lines, fuel distribution manifold, airbox, and fuel pumps were intact. Fuel was observed in the manifold and lines. Spark plugs showed normal signatures. Throttle and mixture cables were connected. The propeller remained attached; the spinner was crushed and broken aft, and both propeller blades were straight with little rotational damage.