What happened
The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the student pilot, who had not flown within the previous 90 days, completed the basic airwork portion of their instructional flight and returned to the airport to practice pattern work. During the first touch-and-go landing attempt, the student encountered a five-knot crosswind component from sixty degrees to the left. Upon touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left side of the runway.
The student pilot applied full power in an attempt to correct the drift, which only aggravated the situation. The CFI then took control of the aircraft and attempted to become airborne again. However, the aircraft landed on uneven terrain located to the left of the runway. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft subsequently slid into a ditch, resulting in the collapse of the right main gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the incident. The examination revealed that the nose gear had collapsed due to the hard landing on uneven terrain. Additionally, the right main gear was found to be collapsed after the aircraft slid into a ditch. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the touch-and-go landing. The student pilot's application of full power while drifting to the left exacerbated the situation, preventing a successful go-around. The CFI's attempt to recover control resulted in a landing outside the runway environment. The uneven terrain and subsequent slide into a ditch caused significant damage to the landing gear system.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that applying full power during a crosswind drift can worsen directional control issues. Proper crosswind correction techniques and timely decision-making are essential for safe touch-and-go operations.