Incident Description
A flight instructor and a beginning student pilot were returning to the traffic pattern after completing airwork. They configured the airplane with 20 degrees of flaps and turned onto the base leg, followed by the final approach. The wind was last reported as a direct crosswind from the right at 4 knots.
Sequence of Events
During the landing flare, the certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that they flared slightly high and that the approach appeared to be slightly fast. He maintained the pitch attitude, and the airplane began to sink at a higher rate than expected. To correct the situation, the CFI added partial power, then full power, to initiate a go-around while keeping the pitch attitude unchanged.
However, the CFI noted that the flight controls felt sluggish. He then relaxed the back pressure on the controls. Subsequently, the airplane began to bank to the left, which the CFI was unable to correct despite applying full right aileron and rudder. The left wingtip contacted the runway surface, causing the airplane to rotate approximately 180 degrees before coming to rest in an upright position.
Observations
The CFI's account indicates that the go-around was attempted but control effectiveness was compromised. The airplane's left wingtip strike resulted in a significant rotation, but the aircraft remained upright. No further details were provided regarding injuries or damage, though the event led to a loss of directional control during the go-around attempt.
No other contributing factors were identified in the source material. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or other operational details.