What happened
A flight instructor and a private pilot were conducting a training flight intended to provide multi-engine instruction and to practice short-field landings. The private pilot successfully completed one short-field landing during the session.
While on final approach for a second short-field landing, the aircraft's landing gear struck the leading edge of the runway, causing the gear to collapse. The private pilot reported that the Cessna (type not specified in source) was stabilized on its approach when the flight instructor made an abrupt, nose-down input to the control yoke.
The flight instructor stated that he lowered the nose to increase airspeed to compensate for gusty conditions. He further noted that the airplane encountered a downdraft near the ground and that he could not take control of the aircraft in time to arrest the descent before the impact with the runway edge.
An FAA Inspector observed two wheel marks in a muddy grass area located approximately 4 feet from the approach end of the runway. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft, and neither pilot had obtained a weather briefing prior to departure.