Incident Overview
On a local training flight at Amberley Airport, the crew was conducting exercises when the instructor simulated a failure of the left engine. The approach continued, but during the final segment, the airplane lost height and adopted a nose-down attitude, resulting in a hard landing.
Sequence of Events
On final approach, the instructor reduced power on the left engine to simulate a failure. However, this action was performed at an altitude lower than what is approved for such a maneuver. Shortly after, the trainee applied full power to the right engine. This led to a loss of directional control. The airplane descended rapidly, struck the runway surface hard, and the nose gear collapsed upon impact. The left engine partially detached from its mountings. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop.
Damage and Injuries
All three crew members evacuated the aircraft without injury. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including a collapsed nose gear and a partially detached left engine. Investigators determined that the aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
Power was reduced on the left engine at a lower than approved altitude. Directional control was lost when the trainee applied full power on the right engine.