Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 88; Flight Crew Total 6012; Flight Crew Type 1296
Human-Machine Interface; Training / Qualification; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors
The training objectives for this flight were commercial ground reference maneuvers and pattern work with a commercial student. Returning to the airport for pattern work; one of our line items was to simulate an engine fire. We had briefed this on the ground as to the book procedures. Our practice with this simulation is to touch the control as we say the checklist items. In this case; the student pulled the mixture and the fuel shutoff valve to the off position; but simulated turning the fuel pump off and master off. The fuel shutoff valve is located on the floor and I saw the student reach down as he said the check list item. I asked him why he shut the engine down because I saw him pull the mixture. He then pushed the mixture back in and we expected an immediate restart. When we didn't get a restart; he gave control of the airplane to me and I turned back toward an open area. We were at 1000 [feet] AGL when the simulation started. After a few seconds of trying to get a restart with various combinations of throttle and mixture setting; I elected to simply fly the airplane and landed on a mining road without damage to the airplane or property on the ground. After we were on the ground; we realized the fuel shut off had been pulled.
C172 flight instructor reported the pilot receiving instruction inadvertently selected the fuel valve off during engine failure simulation.