Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a private pilot were conducting a multi-engine instructional flight focused on short-field landing techniques. The private pilot completed one short-field landing and was on final approach for a second when the landing gear struck the leading edge of the runway, causing the gear to collapse.
Pilot Accounts
The private pilot reported that the airplane was stabilized on approach until the flight instructor made an abrupt, nose-down input to the control yoke. The flight instructor stated that he had lowered the nose to increase airspeed in response to gusty conditions. He further explained that the airplane encountered a downdraft close to the ground, and he was unable to take control and arrest the descent before striking the runway edge.
Neither pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to departure. Both pilots reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.
Additional Details
According to an FAA inspector, two wheel marks were observed in the muddy grass area approximately 4 feet from the approach end of the runway.