Accident Details
During a series of touch-and-go landing practices, the pilot permitted a passenger to place his hands on the yoke. This was intended to allow the passenger to feel the control inputs the pilot was making. The passenger had been briefed that the pilot would raise the aircraft's nose during the landing sequence. However, at the moment when the pilot began to raise the nose, the passenger pushed the yoke forward. A struggle for control of the aircraft ensued between the pilot and the passenger. The pilot managed to regain control before the aircraft impacted the runway, but the landing was hard.
When the pilot questioned the passenger about his actions, the passenger explained that he believed the pilot needed assistance with the landing. He stated that he reacted automatically when he perceived the pilot was having difficulty raising the nose of the aircraft.
Witness Accounts
Two witnesses observed the accident. They reported that as the aircraft approached the runway, it dropped approximately 50 to 60 feet straight down to the ground. Both witnesses noted that weather conditions did not play a role in the event.