Event Description
The flight departed from runway 36 for a local flight, intending to remain in the traffic pattern for a series of touch-and-go landings. After completing the first touch and go, the flight stayed in the pattern and established a normal approach to land. As the student pilot flared for landing, the airplane began to drift and touched down to the right of the runway centerline. An attempt was made to reposition the airplane toward the centerline, but the aircraft continued past the centerline to the left. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the airplane as it veered off the runway and collided with a ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose landing gear and right main landing gear were bent aft, and the engine firewall was buckled. Inspection of the flight control surfaces showed no mechanical failures. The flight instructor did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.