Incident Overview
During an initial checkout for a multi-engine instructor rating, a commercial pilot in the left seat was conducting a landing with a check pilot in the right seat. The approach was performed in crosswind conditions. As the airplane neared the runway, the pilot lowered the right wing to compensate for the crosswind and maintain alignment with the runway centerline.
Sequence of Events
The check pilot observed that the right wing was too low and advised the pilot to raise it. The pilot complied but made no other corrections, causing the airplane to drift left of the centerline. The pilot then lowered the right wing a second time to counter the crosswind, prompting another warning from the check pilot that the wing was too low. According to the check pilot, the pilot raised the wing and then made a sudden touchdown, with the airplane not aligned with the runway.
Following touchdown, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct, but as the aircraft neared the right side of the runway, the pilot requested assistance. The check pilot immediately took over the controls and brought the airplane to a stop after it entered a rough field of lava rocks. The check pilot stated that the sudden runway contact left insufficient time to regain full control and prevent the airplane from departing the runway.
Pilot Statements
The left seat pilot reported that the check pilot instructed in an excited tone to raise the right wing, and executing that action caused the airplane to veer left. The pilot then tried to correct by moving the controls back to the right, leading to sequential contact of the right main landing gear, left main landing gear, and nose gear. The airplane began to fishtail. The pilot, feeling unfamiliar with the aircraft, stated, "Help, I don't have control."
Aircraft Condition
The check pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane during the flight.