Incident Overview
The flight instructor was conducting a check-out for the pilot in the airplane. As part of the check-out, the pilot performed touch-and-go landings. On the second landing, the pilot experienced difficulty maintaining runway centerline alignment due to wind conditions. The airplane's nose was positioned approximately 10 to 20 degrees to the right of the runway centerline when it landed hard on the left main landing gear.
Instructor Intervention and Climb-Out
The flight instructor observed that the pilot was having trouble controlling the airplane, describing the situation as "becoming excessive." The instructor then took control of the airplane and completed the touch and go. During the subsequent climb-out, the landing gear appeared to retract normally.
Gear Extension Issue and Final Landing
When the landing gear was extended for landing, the left landing gear light did not illuminate. The pilot noticed damage to the top surface of the left wing. Attempts to extend the left main gear were unsuccessful. The airplane landed with the left main landing gear partially extended and then departed the left side of the runway.
Probable Cause and Weather
When asked about the cause of the accident, the flight instructor stated that the landing caused the damage due to the impact and position of the gear. Winds recorded at the airport were from 280 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots.