Accident Overview
On March 18, 2012, at 1738 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, registration N56273, sustained substantial damage during landing at Houston Southwest Airport (KAXH) in Arcola, Texas. The flight instructor and the pilot-receiving-instruction were not injured. The airplane was operated by Dutch Wings, LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 on an instrument flight plan. The instructional flight departed KAXH at 1500 in day visual meteorological conditions.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot-receiving-instruction, during final approach to runway 9 (5,003 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), full left rudder along with right aileron input was required to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. As the airplane crossed the touchdown zone, he reduced engine power and flared for touchdown. During the flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust and drifted off the left edge of the runway. The flight instructor assumed control and attempted a go-around, but the airplane was unable to climb. It subsequently landed in a ditch before sliding into a nearby hangar.
The flight instructor reported that a wind gust during the landing flare caused the airplane to drift left of the centerline. He took control as it left the runway and advanced engine power for a go-around, but insufficient airspeed prevented a climb. The instructor noted that the pilot-receiving-instruction did not release left rudder input, and combined with the left-turning tendency at takeoff power, directional control could not be reestablished before impacting a ditch.
Damage and Systems
The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The flight instructor stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
At 1735, the airport's automated surface observing system reported wind from 130 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 15 knots; visibility 10 miles; temperature 23 degrees Celsius; dew point 20 degrees Celsius; and an altimeter setting of 29.98 inches of mercury. Sky condition was not reported.