The Accident
A flight instructor was providing landing training to a student pilot. The instructor directed the student to aim for the second centerline stripe of the runway. After turning final, the student established a stabilized approach at the correct airspeed, but the glideslope was higher than desired, which would cause the aircraft to overshoot the intended touchdown point.
Because runway length was not a limiting factor, the instructor decided not to intervene, intending for the student to learn from the experience that a high glideslope results in landing beyond the target point.
The Landing Attempt
According to the instructor, when the aircraft was still about 20 feet above the runway, the student reduced power to idle and began to flare prematurely. The aircraft leveled off at approximately 10 feet above the ground. The instructor then informed the student that they were too high and that landing from that height would be rough.
In response, the student added power—about one-quarter throttle—and lowered the nose to descend closer to the runway. Shortly after beginning this adjustment, the student initiated a second flare while still at an excessive height. The aircraft then fell to the runway surface from that height.
The Impact
As the aircraft began to descend rapidly toward the runway, the instructor reached for the throttle to initiate a go-around. However, just as contact was made with the throttle, the aircraft impacted the runway with sufficient force to cause substantial damage.
After the impact, the instructor took control of the aircraft, completed the landing, and taxied to an area where the aircraft could be inspected for damage.
Post-Accident Findings
The instructor reported no indications of any problems with the engine or flight control system that would have contributed to the accident. An FAA inspector who examined the aircraft found no evidence of such anomalies.