Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a hard landing short of the runway while practicing an approach with a simulated engine failure. The instructor was on board and intervened to manage the flight path.
Sequence of Events
During the practice approach, as the aircraft turned onto the final leg, the instructor assessed that the aircraft was too low to reach the runway, estimating it would be several hundred feet short. She took control of the aircraft with the intention of gaining airspeed and demonstrating flight in ground effect. Despite applying full up elevator and a late application of power, the aircraft continued to sink and subsequently made ground contact short of the runway. The impact occurred on a slight rise in the terrain.
Damage and Aftermath
The hard landing resulted in damage to the nose landing gear and buckling of the firewall. Notwithstanding the damage, the instructor was able to taxi the aircraft from the impact location to the parking area.