19960412012679I

Narrative: CFI stated that a simulated engine failure was initiated at 3,500 ft. MSL by reducing the throttle. The student established 78 kt. Glide speed, actuated the elec. Fuel pump, applied carb. Heat and switched fuel tanks. A field was selected; however, the student drifted too FAR away to make it. Another field was selected. During the glide the CFI cleared the engine "once or twice". The glide continued to approx. 500 ft AGL when the CFI instructed the student to go around. Full power was applied. The engine responded momentarily and then lost power. The CFI took the controls, pumped the throttle twice and continued toward the field. A successful off-airport landing was accomplished near highway 24 & salem road. There was no damage to the airplane or property on the ground, nor were there injuries to the occupants. An A&P mechanic was dispatched to the field and could find no indications of an engine malfunction. A run-up was conducted with the CFI at the controls. Both stated the engine checked out ok. Precautions were taken and the CFI was able to take off out of the field and return the airplane to mkc. The airplane's log book indicated that an annual inspection had been accomplished the day before. On 04-15-96, another CFI made several high-speed taxi runs at mkc with the fuel selector in each position and the elec. Fuel pump on & off. The engine was reported to have functioned normally. The A&P mechanic speculated that if the fuel selector was not in its detent when the tanks were switched. The engine could have run at idle with the fuel in the lines and the elec. Pump supplying pressure. Then when the throttle was advanced to go-around, the engine quit due to fuel starvation. CFI counseled about this possibility. This incident, no. CE96IGA0048, is closed.