Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported an incident that occurred during primary flight training in a complex, high-performance airplane. The incident took place during daylight hours while on final approach. The runway's precision approach path indicator (PAPI) indicated that the airplane was low on the approach path. In response, the instructor advised the student pilot to reduce the rate of descent.
Sequence of Events
According to the instructor, the student pilot "relaxed his white knuckle grip" and the airplane then pitched down "significantly." The flight instructor took control, grabbing the control yoke and applying full throttle. However, during the low-altitude recovery, the airplane struck the runway approach lights. The instructor subsequently landed the airplane without further incident.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane was conducted by the flight instructor. The examination revealed that the airplane was trimmed nose down and that the right wing had sustained substantial damage. The instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.