Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that, during a practice power-off landing with a student pilot at the controls, he recommended using flaps to provide some additional lift to the airplane as it approached the runway. The airplane rapidly lost airspeed and lift, and subsequently landed hard. The student pilot applied full power with the intention of executing a go-around. The flight instructor then took control and promptly pulled the throttle, because he believed the propellor struck the runway. The airplane veered to the right and subsequently collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.