This October 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Tomahawk. Injuries: None. Location: Friant, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to practice simulated engine failures under the direction of his CFI. The first three simulated engine failures were without mishap. On the fourth attempt the CFI allowed the aircraft to get no more than 100 feet above ground level before calling for a go-around. The student applied full power and pitched the airplane’s nose up, but was not quick enough to keep the airplane from making an unplanned hard landing.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to execute a go-around in timely manner, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Also causal was the instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight and delayed remedial actions.
For more information: NTSB.gov
All that I can say is WOW… You always hear about the boarder line harsh/critical treatment of pilots by the NTSB and the FAA during investigations. In this case, it appears that they allowed an unqualified CFI to continue to jeopardize the safety of more students. The CFI is in control and responsible to maintain safe operation of the aircraft in simulated emergency situations. At no point in time should a simulated emergency, for training purposes, go beyond a margin of safety so critical that the CFI can not regain control and safely recover from the simulation.
Obviously, maintaining a safe altitude during the simulation was the critical error made by the CFI, not the student.
The student pilot did nothing wrong! The CFI is always responsible for any mistake a student makes under his wing. The CFI must insure his student is ready for any and all situations he orders or he should not require that situation.
The NTSB official made a serious error of judgment in the probable cause for this “accident”.