Flight Details
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting an instructional flight. Before departure, they checked the weather and noted that thunderstorms were forecast for the area about one hour after their scheduled completion time. The flight proceeded as planned.
Weather Information
While returning, the flight instructor observed thunderstorm activity to the northwest and strong winds at an airport located approximately 15 miles north of their destination airport. During final approach to land on runway 30, the reported winds were from 260 degrees at 10 knots. Review of weather radar around the time of the accident revealed a line of approaching echoes with a defined gust front ahead of the system. At a nearby airport, winds were reported from 210 degrees at 10 knots about 30 minutes before the accident, and from 300 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 29 knots, about 30 minutes after the accident.
Accident Sequence
The flight instructor continued the approach normally. However, during the landing flare, a significant change in headwind caused the airplane to climb. The flight instructor added engine power and pitched up with the intention of aborting the landing. The airplane then descended uncontrollably onto the runway, resulting in a hard landing.
Damage
The hard landing caused substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.