Incident Overview
A private pilot receiving instruction was conducting a proficiency training flight. The pilot was seated in the right front seat while the flight instructor occupied the left seat. During an approach for landing, the airplane began to sink approximately three to five feet above the runway.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane sank, the pilot attempted to compensate with flight control inputs. The pilot described an automatic reaction: he pushed forward on the throttle with his right hand and pulled back on the yoke with his left hand. Due to his position in the right seat, this motion resulted in his right hand pushing the nose down and his left hand pulling back on the throttle, which reduced power. Subsequently, the airplane struck the ground and bounced back into the air. The pilot then initiated a go-around, after which the flight instructor took control of the airplane and landed without further incident.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination conducted by the pilot and an airframe and power plant mechanic revealed that the engine firewall was structurally damaged. The pilot reported that no mechanical anomalies were present that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane at the time of the accident.