Event Summary
A flight instructor and a student pilot were practicing short field landings at an airport. The accident occurred during an approach to runway 28, which is 5,509 feet long and 99 feet wide.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight instructor, while on approach, the airspeed suddenly decreased when the airplane was approximately 20 feet above the ground. The student pilot responded by applying full engine power. Subsequently, the airplane yawed to the left and impacted the ground prior to reaching the runway.
The flight instructor then took control of the airplane and reduced the engine power to idle, applying the brakes in an attempt to stop. However, the airplane struck a taxiway sign located on the left side of the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
Additional Information
The wind reported at the airport around the time of the accident was from 250 degrees at 3 knots. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.