Primary finding
Probable cause
the student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the pilot-in-command's (CFI) inadequate remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on short final, the student allowed the airspeed to deteriorate. The instructor pilot took control of the airplane with control inputs and the addition of power. The airplane descended and landed hard to the left of the runway collapsing the right gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 4, 1995, at 2050 eastern daylight time,a Cessna 140, N74PB, registered to Air Care Ministries of Scotts, Michigan, and piloted by a dual student and flight instructor, landed hard to the left of runway 9 (2,042' x 100' dry/turf) at Mecosta Morton Airport, Mecosta, Michigan. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student received minor injuries and the instructor pilot reported no injuries. The dual instructional 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Evart, Michigan, at 1948. The instructor stated that the student allowed the airspeed to deteriorate while on short final. He then attempted to take control with control inputs and the addition of power. The airplane descended from approximately 15 to 20 feet above ground level and landed hard, first on the right wingtip followed by the right main landing gear, which collapsed. -