What happened
On 3 March 2005, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-IBRO, was conducting a training flight near Leicester Airport. The flight was intended to include a demonstration of the procedures for an engine failure after takeoff (EFATO). During the climb out, the instructor took control of the aircraft to perform touch drills, which involved simulating the necessary control movements without completing all the actual selections, though the carburettor heat and flaps were to be operated.
While at approximately 700 feet above airfield level, the instructor closed the throttle to initiate the exercise. After performing the touch drills and selecting full flaps, the instructor attempted to commence a go-around by opening the throttle and returning the carburettor heat to the cold position. However, the engine failed to respond to the throttle inputs. After two further attempts to power the engine, the instructor issued a MAYDAY call and executed a forced landing into a nearby ploughed field, successfully avoiding telegraph wires.
Upon impact, the aircraft bounced, landed on its nose wheel, and flipped forward, coming to rest in an inverted position. The two crew members sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft through the doors, which had been opened prior to the impact.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events and the cockpit environment during the training exercise. It was noted that the student pilot, who was in the early stages of training, found it difficult to manage both the aircraft and the instructor's verbal instructions. While the instructor believed a comprehensive briefing had been provided, the student was unclear regarding the specific nature of the touch drills.
During the post-accident examination, it was discovered that the student had switched the ignition switch to the OFF position during the touch drills. The instructor noted that the flaps had not reached the full extension selected, suggesting that the electrical systems may have been interrupted. The instructor also observed that the flaps remained retracted, which prevented him from having to climb over them to exit the aircraft.