What happened
During a flight intended as a private pilot checkride with an FAA-designated examiner, the student pilot was conducting a landing approach at Hays. While on the final approach segment for landing, the pilot prematurely reduced engine power. This action caused the aircraft to sink rapidly and strike the ground in a level attitude.
The impact resulted in significant structural damage. The force of the collision jammed the nose gear in an upward position. This mechanical binding distorted and substantially damaged the aircraft's firewall.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the primary damage was concentrated around the landing gear and forward fuselage structure. The nose gear was found to be locked in an extended, upward orientation due to the impact forces. The firewall exhibited substantial distortion consistent with direct contact from the jammed landing gear assembly.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the premature reduction of power during the final approach phase was the primary factor leading to the accident. The loss of energy resulted in an inability to maintain the required glide path, culminating in a hard landing. The resulting impact caused the nose gear to jam upwards, transferring destructive forces into the firewall structure.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that power settings are maintained appropriately during the final approach phase to guarantee sufficient energy for a safe touchdown. Premature power reduction can lead to an undershoot and loss of control altitude.