What happened
Following the purchase of a PA-24-250, the previous owner was transported home, after which the new owner and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) flew to Cullman, Alabama. The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to practice airwork and landings to meet requirements for a biennial flight review.
After performing practice maneuvers and refueling at Cullman, the crew flew to the owner's private airstrip to hangar the aircraft. After two unsuccessful approaches at the private strip, the crew decided to attempt a landing. During the approach, the CFI suggested that the pilot "chop" the power to land. This maneuver caused the aircraft to settle, resulting in a hard touchdown and a bounce after contacting a small mound in the touchdown area.
The CFI instructed the pilot to execute a go-around. As the pilot initiated the maneuver, the CFI operated the landing gear and flaps. However, the aircraft was traveling too slowly and remained behind the power curve, failing to gain sufficient altitude to clear a knoll at the end of the runway. The aircraft impacted the knoll and came to rest. The pilot sustained one injury, specifically a fractured vertebra.
Findings
During the landing phase, the aircraft bounced due to contact with a small mound in the touchdown area of the private airstrip.