Flight and Approach
After an uneventful engine run-up, the instructor and two students departed for a training flight. Approximately one hour into the flight, the aircraft entered the traffic pattern to conduct a normal approach and landing. The wind sock was fully extended, indicating southerly winds.
Go-Around Attempt
At an altitude between 5 and 10 feet above the runway, the instructor determined that the student could not complete the landing safely. The instructor assumed control and initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps to 10 degrees. Following flap retraction, the instructor noted that the airplane felt "sluggish" and was not climbing. In response, the nose was lowered to maintain airspeed.
Terrain Impact
During the go-around, an "overwhelming" gust of wind pushed the aircraft off the right side of the runway. The airplane subsequently descended into rough terrain. The stall warning horn did not activate during the go-around, but the instructor reported sensing that the aircraft was near a stall.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the engine was run on the airframe, and no pre-impact failures were identified. The airplane's information manual specifies that 20 degrees of flaps should be used initially during a go-around, with a target airspeed of 55 knots. The stall speed with flaps down and power off is listed as 44 knots.