Incident Details
A flight instructor and a commercial pilot were conducting a training flight aimed at helping the commercial pilot earn a flight instructor certificate. The flight departed for a destination airport where the instructor first demonstrated a power-off 180-degree approach to landing. Following the demonstration, the commercial pilot successfully executed four similar approaches.
On the fifth approach, the commercial pilot misjudged the landing flare, leading to a firm touchdown. The flight instructor reported attempting to pull back on the stabilator control but could not apply sufficient back pressure due to the force exerted by the commercial pilot on the controls.
Pilot Actions
After the firm touchdown, the flight instructor initiated a go-around maneuver. The aircraft then proceeded to the home airport, where it landed without further incident.
Aircraft Damage
Post-flight examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the outboard and inboard ribs. The flight instructor stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the hard landing.