Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot trainee were conducting a simulated single-engine approach with the right engine throttle retarded. According to the CFI, a strong crosswind gust occurred just prior to touchdown, causing the left wing to lift upward. Despite full left aileron and left rudder inputs, control could not be regained, and the aircraft continued to bank close to the ground. The right wing struck the ground, resulting in a hard landing that sheared off the landing gear. The aircraft came to rest upright, oriented 180 degrees from the direction of flight.
Pilot Reports
The pilot trainee reported being on the controls until the wing struck the ground and added that he did not attempt to apply power or initiate a go-around. The CFI noted that the winds at the time were from approximately 060 degrees with gusts to 25 knots.
Witness Accounts
A ground witness, who is a multiengine-rated pilot, heard the aircraft announce "engine out" over the frequency during the approach. He observed the airplane appearing very slow and in a left yaw, heading 20 to 30 degrees off the runway heading. The aircraft then rapidly turned right with the nose still high, crossing into the grass area between the runway and a parallel taxiway. The right wing tip dug into the sod, after which the aircraft impacted the ground and sheared the landing gear.
A second witness, also a multiengine-rated pilot, similarly thought the approach seemed too slow for that type of aircraft and noted that he did not hear any power increases that would indicate an attempted go-around.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the aircraft was examined. Control system continuity was established, and the rudder pedals and rudder control brackets were found to be in place.