Flight Operations
The accident flight involved a training mission that began with a departure from the airport. The flight profile included airwork and a practice instrument landing system (ILS) approach to the runway. Upon touchdown, which occurred approximately 2,000 feet down the 6,001-foot-long runway, the airplane's flaps were fully extended. The pilot-rated student then initiated a touch-and-go landing. As part of the touch-and-go procedure, the student moved the flap selector to the 'up' position to retract the flaps.
Accident Sequence
After the touch-and-go, the aircraft began to climb. At an altitude of about 100 feet, while the airplane was near the departure end of the runway, the certified flight instructor (CFI) noticed that the airspeed was not increasing as expected. A rear seat occupant subsequently advised the CFI that the flaps had not retracted. Due to the inability to maintain altitude, the CFI executed a forced landing on a road. During the flare for landing, the left elevator made contact with the roof of a vehicle on the road. The airplane then touched down, struck a light pole, and came to rest in an upright position.
Post-Accident Examination
Investigators conducted a post-accident examination of the airplane. The flap circuit breaker was found in a popped state. However, the reason for the flap malfunction could not be determined from the examination. The flaps were confirmed to be fully extended. Furthermore, the airplane was determined to be about 39 pounds over its maximum gross weight at the time of the accident.