NTSB Factual Report

On November 14, 2002, at 1425 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-201T, N2208Y, registered to McAdams Industries Inc., operated by a student pilot/owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain during a go-around following a simulated engine out procedure located seven miles northeast of La Grande, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The student pilot and flight instructor were not injured. The flight departed from La Grande for the local flight at 1320.

The purpose of the flight was a private pilot check ride with a student pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)/flight instructor on board. The student pilot reported in a written statement that he was performing a simulated emergency landing to a grass airstrip. During the maneuver, the student determined that he would not make the field and chose another location. The student stated that he set-up the final approach with full flaps and 70 to 75 knots airspeed. The aircraft was "fairly low" when the examiner called for the go-around. The student stated that he reached over to push in full throttle, however, the examiners hand was still on the throttle control and only half the throttle was pushed in. The student stated that he felt the power "kick in" and he reached over and retracted a "couple notches of flaps." The sink rate "was very pronounced" and the aircraft was not getting the expected lift. The student realized that the aircraft was going into the field as the right main landing gear touched down, followed by the left main and nose gear. The student continued to try and get the aircraft in the air, but the aircraft was "sluggish" and "seemed to wallow around before we nosed into the ground." The engine separated and the aircraft slid several feet before coming to rest upright. The student stated that at no time did the examiner make an attempt to take control of the aircraft.

The examiner reported that the flight thus far was satisfactory when he reduced power via the throttle to simulate an engine out followed by a simulated emergency landing. The examiner stated that he had control of the engine controls and was occasionally clearing the engine during the descent. The students first choice of landing spots was not attainable, but the second choice of a field was satisfactory as it was fairly level and clear of obstructions for a go-around. The examiner stated that full flaps were extended when the field was clearly made. The go-around was called when the aircraft was about 100 feet above ground level. The examiner glanced down at the manifold pressure gauge to assure that there was not an over boost. Everything was okay and when he looked back up, "the knoll in the field ahead of us was suddenly both closer and higher than I had previously perceived." The examiner realized the sensation that the aircraft was not accelerating nor climbing, but he did not recall any anomalies. The student was executing the go-around procedures properly when he next remembered impacting the up sloping terrain. The aircraft became airborne again but was in a left skid, with the left wing low and the aircraft was descending. The examiner then braced for impact.

In the examiner's written statement, he stated that from the time he realized that they were going to impact the knoll, to the time the aircraft came to rest, he did nothing to assist the student pilot and found it odd that he did not attempt to help.

NTSB Probable Cause

Inadequate supervision and the premature raising of flaps before a positive climb was established.