Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and a subsequent runway excursion. Also causal was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was performing a practice power off 180° landing with his flight instructor onboard. While on short final approach to the runway the airplane’s bank angle was about 20° when the pilot entered the landing flare. The airplane dropped to the runway from a height about 5 ft and bounced. The flight instructor then assumed control of the airplane and increased engine power to full. The airplane departed the side of the runway but was not traveling fast enough to climb and it crossed a taxiway and another runway before coming to rest in the runway safety area. The left horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.