Incident Summary
A flight instructor was providing instruction to a private pilot who was undergoing a biennial flight review. The private pilot completed the required maneuvers and returned to the airport. The landing was aborted, and a go-around was executed. The flight instructor then took control of the aircraft and performed another approach.
Approach and Go-Around
During the initial landing attempt, the private pilot aborted the landing and initiated a go-around. The flight instructor subsequently assumed control and set up for another approach. The private pilot was instructed to monitor an airspeed of 70 miles per hour, which the instructor considered appropriate for the approach speed. The instructor intended for the private pilot to follow this lead on the next landing.
Final Approach
On short final, the flight instructor adjusted the flaps from 30 to 40 degrees and added some power to maintain 70 miles per hour indicated airspeed. The instructor then reported encountering what he perceived as wind shear in the vicinity of heavy woods near the runway approach. The wind was from 300 degrees magnetic at 13 knots, creating a crosswind landing component.
Instructor Actions and Impact
To arrest the descent, the flight instructor stated that he added power and changed the aircraft's pitch attitude. Despite these actions, the aircraft subsequently impacted uneven terrain short of the runway.
Terrain and Local Awareness
The terrain near the approach end of the runway includes heavy woods, and trees in that area have been targeted for removal for some time. Local pilots were aware of the danger posed by these trees, but widespread knowledge of the hazard was not present. The trees remain at the site to this day.