The flight instructor reported that while on a downwind leg of the traffic pattern at the airport in Newnan, Georgia, abeam the runway numbers, he simulated an engine failure for the student pilot.
The student pilot performed checklist items, but the Cessna 172 was getting too low and far from the runway.
The flight instructor then told him to turn directly toward the runway, which he did.
The student pilot stated that he wanted to go-around, but the flight instructor said to keep going.
By the time the flight instructor realized the airplane was not going to reach the runway threshold, he increased power, but the tail hit a runway light.
The airplane subsequently landed uneventfully.
Post-accident examination of the airplane confirmed that the empennage had been substantially damaged.
The flight instructor stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action during a simulated engine failure and low approach, which resulted in a collision with a runway light.
NTSB Identification: 106379
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This November 2022 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.
