Narrative:

I was conducting a flight lesson at ZZZ with my private pilot student. Prior to the flight; [my student] and I discussed we would be simulating an engine out scenario with a simulated forced landing to a field. After briefing the maneuver; [my student] and I boarded aircraft X; which is owned by her [family]. I instructed [my student] to perform a normal takeoff and we departed ZZZ. On departure from ZZZ; we proceeded eastbound at 3;000 ft mean sea level (MSL). We continued eastbound at 3;000 ft MSL until we arrived at a safe practice area with large fields; clear of obstructions directly underneath our position. This practice area was approximately four miles southeast of ZZZ1. While over the practice area; I informed [my student] I would be demonstrating the simulated engine out and simulated forced landing maneuver. After briefing the maneuver; I advised [my student] of the field which would be used for the demonstration. I selected a field which was aligned in a primarily north and south orientation and approximately 4;000 ft in length. I positioned the airplane to the southern end of the field; at 3;000 ft MSL and facing an easterly direction. I began the demonstration by reducing the throttle to idle; turning on the carburetor heat; engaging 10 degrees of flaps and establishing the best glide speed for the airplane. After configuring the aircraft; I began a descending 270 degree right turn. I advised [my student] we were descending in this manner due to the prevailing wind from the north. While performing the descending turn; I pointed to and stated aloud the restart procedure actions according to the airplane's checklist. Upon completion of the 270 degree descending right turn; the airplane was aligned with the center of the selected field; located approximately one nautical mile south of the beginning of the field and approximately 800 ft above ground level (AGL). At this point; I estimated the aircraft could safely reach the field and I engaged 20 degrees of flaps. While continuing our final approach; I began pointing to and stating aloud the engine securing procedure actions according to the airplane's checklist. When I stated aloud the 'fuel selector valve- off' checklist action; [my student] misunderstood this as an instruction. At approximately 500 ft AGL; [my student] reached down and turned the fuel selector valve to the 'off' position. At this point the engine began to sputter; lose power and continued descending. At approximately 300 ft AGL; I determined there was insufficient altitude to initiate an engine restart procedure and I advised [my student] I was going to be conducting an actual forced landing. As the aircraft continued to descend; I maintained a positive airspeed and conducted a soft field landing. The aircraft touched down; main wheels first and slowed to a complete stop. After the aircraft came to a complete stop; I secured the engine and turned off all electrical equipment. After securing the aircraft; [my student] and I walked to a nearby residence. Upon reaching the residence; I contacted the land owner and informed him of our forced landing. After speaking with [land owner]; I contacted the appropriate authorities; including the FAA operations office and informed them of the occurrence.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Flight instructor reported student turned fuel selector to the 'off' position; resulting in an off airport landing.

Narrative: I was conducting a flight lesson at ZZZ with my private pilot student. Prior to the flight; [my student] and I discussed we would be simulating an engine out scenario with a simulated forced landing to a field. After briefing the maneuver; [my student] and I boarded Aircraft X; which is owned by her [family]. I instructed [my student] to perform a normal takeoff and we departed ZZZ. On departure from ZZZ; we proceeded eastbound at 3;000 ft mean sea level (MSL). We continued eastbound at 3;000 ft MSL until we arrived at a safe practice area with large fields; clear of obstructions directly underneath our position. This practice area was approximately four miles southeast of ZZZ1. While over the practice area; I informed [my student] I would be demonstrating the simulated engine out and simulated forced landing maneuver. After briefing the maneuver; I advised [my student] of the field which would be used for the demonstration. I selected a field which was aligned in a primarily north and south orientation and approximately 4;000 ft in length. I positioned the airplane to the southern end of the field; at 3;000 ft MSL and facing an easterly direction. I began the demonstration by reducing the throttle to idle; turning on the carburetor heat; engaging 10 degrees of flaps and establishing the best glide speed for the airplane. After configuring the aircraft; I began a descending 270 degree right turn. I advised [my student] we were descending in this manner due to the prevailing wind from the north. While performing the descending turn; I pointed to and stated aloud the restart procedure actions according to the airplane's checklist. Upon completion of the 270 degree descending right turn; the airplane was aligned with the center of the selected field; located approximately one nautical mile south of the beginning of the field and approximately 800 ft above ground level (AGL). At this point; I estimated the aircraft could safely reach the field and I engaged 20 degrees of flaps. While continuing our final approach; I began pointing to and stating aloud the engine securing procedure actions according to the airplane's checklist. When I stated aloud the 'fuel selector valve- Off' checklist action; [my student] misunderstood this as an instruction. At approximately 500 ft AGL; [my student] reached down and turned the fuel selector valve to the 'Off' position. At this point the engine began to sputter; lose power and continued descending. At approximately 300 ft AGL; I determined there was insufficient altitude to initiate an engine restart procedure and I advised [my student] I was going to be conducting an actual forced landing. As the aircraft continued to descend; I maintained a positive airspeed and conducted a soft field landing. The aircraft touched down; main wheels first and slowed to a complete stop. After the aircraft came to a complete stop; I secured the engine and turned off all electrical equipment. After securing the aircraft; [my student] and I walked to a nearby residence. Upon reaching the residence; I contacted the land owner and informed him of our forced landing. After speaking with [land owner]; I contacted the appropriate authorities; including the FAA Operations Office and informed them of the occurrence.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.