Accident Summary
On 7 September 2006, a Piper PA28R-200 aircraft, registration ZS-JIC, was involved in an accident during a remedial training exercise near Grahamstown Aerodrome, South Africa. The aircraft was operated under a training flight with an instructor and a pilot under training on board. Both occupants evacuated the aircraft unharmed.
Flight Sequence
The flight departed from Port Alfred Aerodrome for remedial training, which included circuits and simulated engine failure procedures in the Grahamstown area. After the pilot under training executed a successful go-around on Runway 22 and a touch-and-go landing on Runway 34, the instructor simulated an engine failure at approximately 700 feet above ground level. The pilot under training reduced engine rpm, selected an open field to the right of the extended centerline of Runway 34, lowered the undercarriage, and selected full flaps.
The instructor allowed the pilot under training to continue the descent, but during the approach, the pilot under training allowed the aircraft to descend below the required altitude and failed to initiate a go-around. The instructor intervened and took control to initiate a go-around.
Impact and Aftermath
During the go-around, the instructor noticed an antenna on the left side and initiated a right turn. Subsequently, a power line was observed, and due to insufficient height to clear it, the instructor decided to fly underneath. The left main undercarriage impacted the center power line, causing the aircraft to veer left. The left wing then struck the ground, resulting in a ground loop to the right. During the impact sequence, the aircraft struck an ant hill before coming to rest. The cockpit door opened on impact, allowing both occupants to evacuate unharmed.
Probable Cause
The instructor allowed the student pilot to recover too late from a simulated engine failure after take-off and in the process failed to notice power lines and flew through the wires.