What happened
During a short engine break-in flight departing from Top Sail Airpark in Top Sail, North Carolina, an aircraft was returning to land. The flight instructor (CFI) reported that due to strong winds, the decision was made to approach the landing with slightly higher airspeed.
The aircraft floated down the runway and touched down approximately at the midfield point. Upon touchdown, the instructor instructed the student pilot to apply the brakes. As the aircraft continued down the runway, the instructor realized the plane would not stop before the end of the runway and initiated a turn to the left toward a small field. Simultaneously, the student pilot applied left rudder. This maneuver caused the nose gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to strike the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
Findings
- The aircraft's nose gear collapsed during the landing roll.
- The aircraft's right wing struck the ground.