Event
During a training flight in the traffic pattern, a flight instructor and a student pilot were practicing short field landings and power-off 180-degree accuracy turns. The instructor reported that after the student performed five landings, the sixth and final landing was planned as a short field landing. The instructor intended to take the flight controls once the runway was made, to demonstrate how ground effect can be used during landings.
Instructor's Account
According to the instructor, about 50 feet above the ground and over the runway threshold, he took control from the student. While explaining that ground effect can extend landing distance if extra airspeed is carried, he noticed the pitch attitude was higher than normal. Before he could add power or reduce pitch, the right wing "gave way" and struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right aileron.
Aircraft Condition
The instructor verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Handbook Reference
The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A, 2004) discusses stalls, stating that the key to stall awareness is the pilot's ability to visualize the wing's angle of attack. It emphasizes understanding factors such as airspeed, pitch attitude, load factor, relative wind, power setting, and aircraft configuration. The handbook notes that stall accidents usually result from an inadvertent stall at low altitude where recovery was not accomplished before surface contact.