Flight Background
A commercial certificated pilot functioning as a flight instructor, along with a student pilot, was conducting touch-and-go landings in a ski-equipped airplane during the student's first flight. The lake surface was covered by approximately two feet of snow. The instructor first demonstrated several aerial maneuvers, then performed two takeoffs and landings before stopping. The student pilot was placed in the front seat, and the instructor moved to the rear seat. The student then taxied and executed several takeoffs and landings under the instructor's supervision.
The Accident
After the student performed two takeoffs and landings at one location, the instructor took control and landed at a different lake, creating a new set of ski tracks in the snow. The student then completed two additional takeoff and landing cycles. On the third landing approach to this new location, the airplane was established on a normal glide path. When the airplane was approximately 2 to 4 feet above the ground, the student suddenly pushed forward on the control stick and applied almost full right rudder. The instructor was unable to prevent the airplane from colliding with the snow in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The airplane nosed over and sustained damage to the wings, wing spars, lift struts, and vertical stabilizer.