Overview
A student pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) were conducting a dual instructional flight in preparation for the student's first solo flight. After returning from local flight operations, they entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 12.
Final Approach and Landing
During the final approach, the student flew the aircraft to cross over the runway threshold at approximately 3 feet above ground level (AGL) and touched down about 200 feet down the runway. As the aircraft crossed the threshold, the right main landing gear struck the top 1 foot of a mound of dirt. The impact caused the landing gear to fail. During the subsequent landing, the aircraft departed the right side of the runway.
CFI Observations
The CFI reported that during departure, they had conducted an intersection takeoff and therefore did not observe the mound of dirt located adjacent to the end of the runway. The CFI further stated that the mound was the same color as the surrounding terrain and was virtually indistinguishable from its surroundings.
Background on Dirt Mounds
The mounds of dirt had been placed around the approach end of Runway 12 in preparation for repairs. These mounds were approximately 4 feet tall.