NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot and flight instructor were practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 26R. While on downwind, the flight instructor retarded the throttle to simulate an emergency. The student pilot continued to fly the airplane and during the landing flare, the airplane began to descend at a faster-than-normal rate. Both the student pilot and the flight instructor attempted to recover; however, the airplane impacted the ground in a left wing low attitude. The empennage separated from the fuselage, and all four engine mounts were broken. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Winds at the time of the accident were recorded as 240 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The certified flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain control prior to the landing.