Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the flight instructor, while conducting touch and go takeoffs and landings with a student pilot, they made a “stabilized” approach to the runway with an increase in engine power due to a strong headwind. The student pilot flared the airplane “high,” and the airplane descended rapidly. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, added full engine power, but the airplane subsequently impacted the runway. Then, flight instructor continued with another takeoff, they flew around the pattern, the student pilot made a full stop landing, taxied back to the hangar and the instructor pilot asked maintenance personnel to check the airplane before the next scheduled flight. The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the firewall incurred substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA579