Incident Overview
During a training flight, the flight instructor observed a strong crosswind from 330 degrees at 10 knots at pattern altitude, while the ASOS and windsocks indicated calm winds on the surface. The instructor and student then initiated a simulated forced landing to runway 30.
Approach and Wind Shear
On final approach, the student was adequately correcting for the crosswind until the airplane descended through 150 feet above ground level (AGL), where they experienced wind shear. The student subsequently had difficulty controlling the airplane.
Go-Around Attempt and Hard Landing
About 40 to 60 feet AGL, the flight instructor took over the flight controls and initiated a go-around. However, the airplane touched down hard on the runway and drifted left off the pavement. To avoid a concrete pipe culvert, the flight instructor maneuvered the airplane further left, resulting in a collision with the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane came to rest about 1,500 feet from the approach end of the runway. The instructor reported no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident. A postcrash examination did not reveal any mechanical issues with the engine or airframe.