Primary finding
Probable cause
The instructor pilots improper in-flight planning, and his failure to maintain a proper glide path to the forced landing area. A factor in this accident was the instructor's decision to shut down the engine during a 'simulated' engine failure
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While practicing simulated engine failures, from 4800 feet above mean sea level, the instructor pilot pulled the mixture lever to the cut off position causing the engine to shut down. The instructor pilot and student pilot continued with 'simulated' engine out procedures until 2500 feet when an attempt was made to restart the engine. After several unsuccessful attempted restarts, the instructor maneuvered the airplane toward the original simulated forced landing area. However, he over shot the field, and the airplane impacted trees. The post-accident examination of the engine revealed it was capable of normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
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