Incident Overview
A private pilot (PIC) was flying with a certified flight instructor (CFI) who held an expired medical certificate. The CFI stated he was serving as a safety pilot only. During the approach, the PIC extended the downwind leg, resulting in a low and slow condition on a long final approach. To clear some power lines, the pilot raised the aircraft's nose. Subsequently, the aircraft developed a sink rate that the PIC was unable to correct despite applying full power. The aircraft touched down short of the runway, struck a fence, and was damaged.
Pilot Experience and Distractions
The PIC had only one hour of flight time in that make and model and was unfamiliar with its glide and landing characteristics. Additionally, the PIC reported being slightly distracted by a train approaching from the opposite direction, which was passing the airport on the right side of the runway.
Instructor's Account
The CFI stated that he had applied full power but was too late to recover before touchdown.
Conclusion
The combination of the pilot's unfamiliarity with the aircraft, extended downwind, low and slow approach, distraction, and the need to clear power lines led to an unrecoverable sink rate and a short landing.