Flight Details
A dual student, holding a private pilot certificate for helicopters, was pursuing a fixed-wing add-on. During the lesson, the student planned a cross-country flight, but the instructor directed a diversion to another field. After arrival, the crew overflew the runway and estimated a direct crosswind of about 10 knots.
Landing Attempts
The student entered a left traffic pattern for a full-stop landing on the damp turf runway, which was 2,600 feet long. On the first two approaches, the aircraft was too high on final, and the student initiated go-arounds on both occasions. On the third approach, the aircraft remained on the proper glide path until approximately 50 feet above ground level. At that point, a wind gust caused the aircraft to balloon upward. The student could not descend to a comfortable flare position until the aircraft was almost halfway down the runway. The aircraft then floated in ground effect before touching down approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway. Neither the student nor the instructor initiated a go-around during this sequence.
Overrun
After touchdown, the student applied wheel brakes while holding the yoke full back for aerodynamic braking. The instructor then assisted with braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not stop before the runway end, went off the end, down a steep embankment, and into a ditch. Impact with the ditch caused the nose wheel to fold rearward, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Investigation
Post-accident examination found no evidence of malfunctions in the flight control or wheel braking systems.