Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a simulated power-off emergency landing as part of training. According to the instructor, the student flared "too abruptly," causing the airplane to balloon approximately 20 feet above the ground. In response, the student applied full power, moved the carburetor heat to the closed position, and pitched the nose up.
Instructor's Account
The flight instructor stated that he did not react quickly enough to the student's control inputs. Subsequently, the airplane stalled, rotated to the left, and the left wing struck the ground. The instructor noted that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Student Pilot's Account
The student pilot reported that during the flare, he applied back pressure on the yoke but "must have pulled back too much," causing the balloon. He attempted to let the airplane settle back to the runway. The student stated that the instructor said he had the controls. Upon hearing that, the student removed his left hand from the yoke, his feet from the rudder pedals, and his right hand from the throttle. The instructor then added full power to attempt a go-around, after which the airplane turned left and the left wing impacted the ground.
Damage
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. No injuries were reported in the source.
Findings
Both pilot accounts describe a sequence of events involving an abrupt flare, a balloon, and a subsequent stall during the go-around attempt. The instructor acknowledged delayed reaction, while the student relinquished control upon instruction. The aircraft was operating normally prior to the event.