On November 19, 1987, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N2716Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Belle Plaine, MN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a simulated forced landing, a student pilot allowed the aircraft to drift right. The CFI initiated a go-around but was delayed by the student fighting controls. Evasive banking to avoid a runway marker led to a right wing ground contact and aircraft damage.
Incident Details
In the traffic pattern, a certified flight instructor (CFI) initiated a simulated forced landing with a student pilot who was a rated private pilot. On final approach, just before touchdown, the student allowed the aircraft to drift to the right.
Sequence of Events
The CFI attempted a go-around but experienced a delay in regaining control of the aircraft. According to the CFI, the student was fighting his control inputs, despite the CFI providing instructions to 'get off the controls.' When the CFI banked the aircraft to the right to avoid a runway marker, the right wing contacted the ground, causing the aircraft to pivot to the right and sustain damage.
Pilot Statements
The student stated that he did not hear the instruction to release controls.