Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent landing gear collapse.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot receiving instruction was in training to obtain both a complex and high-performance endorsement. After successfully completing a touch-and-go landing and continuing in the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor reduced engine power to idle to simulate an emergency forced landing. The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear first and then hard on the right main landing gear. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in the right wing contacting the runway and sustaining substantial damage. Both pilots reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.