Flight Details
The flight instructor of a Piper PA-34-200 reported that the cross-country flight had been uneventful prior to the landing approach. The student pilot was handling the controls and configured the airplane for landing.
Approach and Landing
During the final approach to the runway, which measured 2,500 feet in length and 50 feet in width, the instructor observed that the airplane was flying low and advised the student to add power. The student complied. As the airplane reached the runway threshold, the student reduced power while flaring, resulting in a touchdown that was described as harder than normal. The airplane then bounced.
Runway Excursion
The flight instructor took control of the airplane after the initial bounce. Upon the second touchdown, the instructor applied the brakes. The airplane bounced again. On the third touchdown, the instructor applied the brakes fully in an attempt to stop the airplane. The instructor considered aborting the landing but determined that insufficient runway remained. The airplane subsequently departed the end of the runway, went down an embankment, and came to rest in a ditch, causing substantial damage.