What happened
The incident occurred during a training flight involving a student pilot under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI). According to the instructor's account, the aircraft was on final approach to the runway with an indicated airspeed of approximately 60 knots. The power setting had been reduced in preparation for landing.
At an altitude estimated between 10 and 15 feet above ground level, the student pilot abruptly chopped the throttle and initiated the flare. This action resulted in a significant right wing drop prior to touchdown. The aircraft impacted the runway surface with excessive force before the instructor could intervene to correct the situation or execute a go-around.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed substantial structural damage concentrated on the right side and lower fuselage. The inspection identified specific failures including damage to the right wing spar, which is a critical structural component. Additional damage was sustained by the nose landing gear assembly, the tail cone, the skin of the right wing, and the right aileron control surface.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the premature reduction of power and aggressive flare maneuver executed by the student pilot at an insufficient altitude. This technique caused an asymmetric lift loss on the right wing, leading to a hard landing that exceeded the structural limits of the airframe components involved.