Accident Details
A certificated flight instructor (CFI) was providing flight instruction to a student pilot during dark night conditions. While on a northerly approach to the runway, the CFI reported that he inadvertently allowed the student to descend too steeply with a high airspeed. The CFI verbally commanded the student to stop the excessive descent and reduce airspeed. The student initially complied but then allowed the airplane to again attain a rapid descent rate and high airspeed as the approach continued.
The CFI then took control of the airplane, added full engine power, and initiated a go-around. During the attempted go-around, the CFI stated that they encountered severe windshear. He wrote, in part: "I felt the aircraft had gotten into a severe vertical windshear, and no amount of power we had available was stopping the rate of descent, and we hit the ground." The airplane subsequently collided with a stand of trees and came to rest inverted, approximately 300 yards short of the approach end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Flight Conditions
The accident occurred during dark night conditions. At the time of the accident, wind conditions were reported as 350 degrees true at 9 knots.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA airworthiness inspector conducted a postaccident inspection of the airplane and discovered no preaccident mechanical anomalies.
Probable Cause
Due to the absence of any mechanical problems with the airplane, the dark night conditions, and the relatively light winds reported at the time of the accident, it is probable that the accident could have been prevented if the CFI had provided better supervision of the student and initiated a go-around sooner.