Probable cause

The student pilot’s inadequate flare resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) completed nine full stop landings. The wind was variable and increasing in intensity. As the airplane approached the runway, the left wing suddenly dropped at 15 feet above ground level, and the airplane veered left. It touched down hard on the left main landing gear, which collapsed. The right side then touched down hard, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airframe buckled below the cockpit. After exiting the airplane, the student pilot noted a strong tail wind. The student pilot’s total time was 40 hours.

Contributing factors

cause Incorrect use/operation
Damaged/degraded
cause Student pilot
factor Student pilot
factor Instructor/check pilot
cause Student pilot

Conditions

Weather: VMC, vis 10sm

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4 Sep 2011: TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D — POLLOCK RONALD F