Incident Overview
A flight instructor was preparing a CFI candidate for the practical test. The candidate was asked to demonstrate a short field landing. The airplane crossed the runway threshold at 65 KIAS and was flared at about 60-61 KIAS. During the flare, the nose "suddenly pitched down" and the airplane struck the runway "hard."
Pilot Actions
In response, the pilot added full power, retracted the flaps to 20 degrees, and rejected the landing. The airplane vibrated as it climbed at 300-400 feet per minute to pattern altitude. The flight instructor then assumed control, declared an emergency, and informed control tower personnel that the elevator was jammed.
Emergency Landing
The instructor managed the aircraft by using power to control altitude and flew a 2-mile final approach. The engine was secured just before touchdown, and a successful landing was made.
Postaccident Examination
Examination after the incident revealed that the propeller had struck the runway, and the nose wheel was crooked. The nose strut was pushed back into the firewall. Additionally, the elevator and elevator trim, which had been set for landing, were jammed. No evidence of a pre-existing failure of the elevator control was found.