The Flight Instructor Attempted But Could Not Restart The Engine

Location: Fairfield, Utah Accident Number: WPR23LA324
Date & Time: August 23, 2023, 07:05 Local Registration: N989PA
Aircraft: Diamond DA20 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total) Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The flight instructor reported that while conducting a simulated engine failure, the student terminated the maneuver, with the fuel mixture leaned, by advancing the throttle. The engine did not respond with full power, and the flight instructor then “advanced” the mixture. The engine subsequently lost total power. The flight instructor attempted but could not restart the engine. The flight instructor then selected an off-airport landing site, and during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a dirt “berm” which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. 

Postaccident examination of the airplane by the flight instructor revealed the mixture was not in the full rich position and the fuel pump switch was not in the on position, which was contrary to the checklist for engine failure after takeoff procedures. According to the owner, who conducted a postaccident engine test run, the engine exhibited no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. 

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The flight pilots improper fuel management, which resulted a total loss of engine power, and impact with terrain during an off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the airplane checklist.  

FMI: www.ntsb.gov