Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that a student pilot was practicing stop-and-go landings in a tail-wheel equipped airplane. The student had completed two takeoffs and landings with satisfactory rollouts, requiring only minor assistance from the instructor.
On the third landing, during the rollout to stop, the student suddenly applied right rudder. The instructor immediately countered with left rudder and brake, called for power addition, and pushed the throttle forward. The airplane straightened but exited the runway onto the adjacent grass.
Sequence of Events
After entering the grass, the airplane became airborne and subsequently collided with a runway light in its path. Following the impact, the instructor flew the airplane over the runway, landed, and taxied back to the hangar.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The bottom of the airframe sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.