PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Total 265; Flight Crew Type 32
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
Was practicing a simulated emergency approach and landing with student pilot. Came down to 800 feet AGL when I told the student to break off and go around. As soon as full power was applied; there was a complete loss of engine power. I took over controls and began to descend for an emergency landing while quickly running through the engine failure checklist. Student pilot had switched the fuel selector to OFF position (located on left side of cockpit). Fuel selector was quickly turned back ON and engine power was restored about 200ft AGL. As soon as I started my radio call to [advise ATC] engine power was restored. Normal power and climb was started and had no issues throughout climb. We safely headed back to [home airport] and experienced no further issues throughout the flight. Conclusion was made that while student pilot was going through the simulated engine secure checklist; he was supposed to point at fuel selector to simulate turning the fuel selector off but actually turned it off. Fuel selector is located on the left side of cockpit and is slightly out of view by person sitting in the right seat.
PA-28 flight instructor reported his student shut off the fuel supply during a training scenario that resulted in loss of engine power until normal fuel settings were achieved.